National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, inaugurated an advisory committee to guide the state government in implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils on Monday.
Governor Kefas charged the committee with developing a roadmap for the judgment’s implementation during the inauguration at the Exco chambers of the Taraba Government House in Jalingo.
He described the event as a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance.
He also emphasised that the Supreme Court’s judgment aligns with his administration’s commitment to decentralization and local empowerment.
Governor Kefas noted that he had previously directed the state Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs in April to ensure that local government chairpersons take full responsibility for managing the joint account and other administrative affairs in their areas.
The committee’s inauguration marks a crucial step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment and promoting local government autonomy in Taraba State.
“This directive is not just a policy change. It is a profound shift towards true autonomy and self-governance for our local governments.
It also empowers them to make decisions that directly affect the welfare of our constituents, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to meet local demands.
“The establishment of this advisory committee is a clear demonstration of our determined commitment to strengthening local governments in Taraba State.
“I have no doubt that with the combined effort of this committee, the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, and all stakeholders, we will achieve our vision of a decentralized, empowered, and prosperous Taraba,” he said.
Abel Diah, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, has been appointed to chair a high-level committee.
Currently serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Diah will lead the committee with Ezekiel Polycarp as secretary.
The committee comprises an array of esteemed members, including Timothy Kataps, Secretary to the Government of the State Hassan Aminu, state chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria Yakubu Maikasuwa, State Attorney-General Lilian Jonathan, and Bala Hussein, respectively.
