Taraba gov unveils advisory committee on LG autonomy

Taraba Governor, Agbu Kefas on Monday, inaugurated an advisory committee to guide the state government on the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming financial autonomy for local government councils in the country.

Inaugurating the committee at the Exco chambers of the Taraba Government House in Jalingo, Kefas tasked the committee to come up with a roadmap for the implementation of the judgement.

Kefas noted that the event marked a milestone in the journey towards a more democratic, accountable and efficient governance system in the state, adding that the judgement aligns with his commitment to decentralisation and local empowerment.

The governor said he had since in April told the state Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs that local government chairpersons should take full responsibility for the management of the joint account and other administrative affairs of their areas.

“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 utilised 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 decentralised, empowered and prosperous Taraba,” he said.

A former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and present Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Abel Diah is to chair the committee, with Ezekiel Polycarp as secretary.

Other members are the Secretary to the Government of the State, Timothy Kataps, the state chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Hassan Aminu, the State attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Yakubu Maikasuwa, Lilian Jonathan and Bala Hussein.