The Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has expressed his full support for the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, stating that it aligns perfectly with his administration’s commitment to decentralization and local empowerment.
Speaking at an event to inaugurate the state’s Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee, the governor emphasized that local government autonomy will help uphold the principles of democracy and justice.
He said, “It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that we are here today to inaugurate the Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee.”
“This event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance system in Taraba State.
“The Supreme Court’s recent judgement which aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to decentralization 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 needed swearing-in of the elected council chairmen on the 23rd of November 2023.
“These steps are crucial in ensuring that our local governments are equipped with the mandate and legitimacy to serve their communities effectively.
“Furthermore, to enhance the capacity of the newly elected Council officials, we organised a comprehensive workshop and induction programme for the council chairmen before the assumption of duties in their respective Local Government Areas ”
“This initiative was to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the myriad of challenges they may face, particularly, the security issues that have plagued our state in the past. We are committed to equipping our local leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
“It is also worth noting that for the first time in our state’s history, a Local Government Election Tribunal was established without receiving a single election petition.
“This unprecedented achievement speaks volumes about the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the electoral process we have put in place. It is a confirmation of our collective commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and justice.
The governor insisted that even before the Supreme Court verdict, he had already granted full autonomy to the local government chairmen through the bureau for local government, traditional and chieftaincy affairs for the management of the joint account and other administrative affairs of their respective domains.
He said, ”Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, in my communication to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs on 26 April 2024, I directed that the Local Government Council Chairmen should take full responsibility for the management of the Joint Account Allocation Committee JAAC 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. 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.
“Today, we are here to inaugurate this advisory committee. We set forth a clear and ambitious agenda for them. The committee’s Term of Reference which will be spelt out to them will be given to them after the inauguration.
“By the power conferred on me as the Governor of Taraba State, I hereby inaugurate this committee as the Taraba State Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee with the following terms of reference; Implementation Oversight, Capacity Building, Financial Autonomy, Administrative Reforms, Security Coordination, Community Engagement, Evaluation and Feedback, And any Other Areas that are Deemed Necessary.
“The establishment of this advisory committee is a clear demonstration of our determined commitment to strengthening local governments in Taraba State.
“I do not 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.
“Fellow citizens of Taraba State, as we move forward, I urge all of us to remain steadfast in our dedication to service, transparency, and accountability. Together, we can create a governance system that not only meets the needs of our people but also sets the benchmark for others to follow.”