By Femi Bolaji, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has said the verdict of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas aligns with his administration’s policy of independence for the third tier of government.

Kefas, who spoke on Monday in Jalingo, the state capital, while inaugurating the state advisory committee for the full implementation of LG autonomy, noted that the state has already ensured decentralisation of power to the grassroots.

According to him, “The Supreme Court’s recent judgement, which aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to decentralisation and local empowerment, sets a clear path for the full autonomy of our local government areas.

“This judgement reaffirms my earlier decision to conduct the local government council election on the 18th of November 2023, and to proceed with the swearing-in of the elected council chairmen on the 23rd of November 2023.

“In my communication to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs on the 26th of April 2024, I directed that the local government chairmen should take full responsibility for the management of the joint account and other administrative affairs.

“This directive is not just a policy change. It is a profound shift towards true autonomy and self-governance for our local governments.”

Dr. Kefas further stated that the establishment of the advisory committee was a clear demonstration of his determination to strengthen Taraba’s 16 LGAs.

Chairman of the advisory committee and the state house of assembly committee chairman on local government and traditional affairs, Rt. Hon. Abel Diah, noted that the Supreme Court’s verdict was a victory for democracy in Nigeria. 

He also appreciated the governor’s willingness to implement the apex court’s ruling.