Kano to operate full LG autonomy

The Kano State Government has said it will operate the full local government (LG) autonomy which was recently approved by the Supreme Court.

Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo said this at the inaugural caucus meeting of the Forum of Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abuja on Saturday.

Gwarzo assured that the newly-inaugurated forum will have a huge effect across Nigeria following the recent court decision on local government autonomy, especially when it comes to financial autonomy.

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Gwarzo who doubles as the chairman of the forum explained in a statement signed by his spokesman, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, that they will not appeal any decision ruled by the Supreme Court but will rather try to find a safe way of conducting the administration of their respective local government ministries.

“The local government service is facing numerous challenges resulting from the Supreme Court’s decisions, and the Forum has more reasons to come together, discuss, brainstorm, and find a way forward,” Gwarzo said.

“It is a known fact that the chief executives of every state and the legislative arm rely on the ministry for many things from the local government.

“The local government and chieftaincy affairs in any state are by no means a small ministry but a very large and critical sector that needs someone who is really trusted by the chief executive to head that ministry.”

He also acknowledged that local government, as constituted in modern times without traditional institutions attached to it, is an enormous task, alongside chieftaincy affairs which also have its dire demands.

Gwarzo stated that the forum coming together to discuss and address emerging issues that affect their respective local governments across the country is commendable and a historic step towards harnessing collective expertise to drive progress and strengthen the third tier of government.

He, however, admitted that there are still some gray areas regarding the existence of local government in Nigeria when it comes to the issues of finance, administration, and elections, among other rising issues triggered by the Supreme Court’s decisions.

According to him, though, the forum aims to create a platform to discuss how to advise their principals to improve the system across the federation.