Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has welcomed the ruling of the Supreme Court on local government financial autonomy, saying the governors are happy with the devolution of power as it would relieve them of some burdens.
He said: “We welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court; compliance is a given. Our attorney-generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully.
“By and large, the Governors are happy with the devolution of power with respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the Governors of some burdens. People really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments. It’s not going to affect the state; we’ve not tampered with local government funds.
“What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the upcoming minimum wage. They have to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid and traditional rulers get their five percent. Those are the main issues.
“The Forum will meet next Wednesday to look at the issues wholly and then come up with resolutions.
“As you are aware, the tripartite committee (on the minimum wage) has met and submitted its report. The decision on the figure is the prerogative of the President, which he would also transmit to the National Assembly for a robust debate before it’s adopted.”
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