By Hassan Garba
Edited by: TarabaInfo
Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas has inaugurated the Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee to guide the implementation of local government autonomy. The inauguration took place on Monday at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Jalingo.
This action follows the recent Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment on July 11, 2024, which declared the autonomy of local government areas in the country. Governor Kefas described the formation of the committee as a significant milestone towards more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance in Taraba State.
He noted that the Supreme Court’s judgment aligns with his administration’s commitment to centralization and local empowerment, setting a clear path for the full autonomy of local government areas. The Governor also mentioned that this judgment reaffirmed his decision to conduct local government elections on November 18, 2023, and swear in the Chairmen on November 23, 2023, ensuring that local governments have the mandate and legitimacy to serve their communities effectively.
To enhance the capacity of the Chairmen, Dr. Kefas organized a comprehensive workshop and induction program, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to address various challenges. He recalled his communication to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs on April 26, 2024, allowing council Chairmen to take full responsibility for managing the Joint Account and all administrative affairs.
The terms of reference for the advisory committee include oversight functions, capacity building, financial autonomy, administrative reforms, security coordination, community engagements, evaluation and feedback, among others.
Dr. Kefas reiterated his commitment to service, transparency, and accountability. In response, the chairman of the advisory committee, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, Member Representing Mbamga State Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, thanked the Governor for the assignment. He praised the Governor’s step to implement autonomy, highlighting that financial autonomy for local governments has been a key issue since the emergence of democracy, and the Supreme Court verdict is a victory for democracy and good governance.
The inauguration was well attended.
