Federal Government Urged to Create Framework for Local Government Fund Allocation
The Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has been urged to create a clear template and framework for the use of funds released to local governments across Nigeria. This template would guide the judicious allocation and proper implementation of resources at the local government level, ensuring that any anomalies in the system are corrected for faster development. The call was made by Alhaji Sanusi Baban Takko, Chairman of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, during an interaction with journalists in Bauchi.
Baban Takko emphasized that any local government chairman found violating the principles of good governance or failing to comply with the rule of law should face the full consequences of the law. He expressed that the era of local governments failing to fulfill their constitutional roles is over, especially following the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the accelerated development of local governments through the autonomy granted by the Supreme Court.
He further praised President Tinubu for his leadership and contributions to grassroots development, noting that the recent Supreme Court ruling is a testament to his resolve to promote rapid development at the local government level. He highlighted the president’s legacy as the former governor of Lagos State, where he implemented policies that are still remembered for their positive impact on the people and the state’s development.
In conclusion, Baban Takko appealed to the 36 state governors to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy and to prioritize the development of Nigeria’s rural areas. He stressed that the integration of local governments into the national governance framework, as emphasized in the Renewed Hope Agenda, is crucial for improving service delivery and fostering national development. He also pledged his support for President Tinubu’s initiatives, promising to contribute to the success of the administration’s objectives.
