New Forum Of Commissioners For Local Government Vows To Navigate Local Government Autonomy

The newly established Forum of Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has pledged that its formation will have a significant impact across the country in light of the recent sitting court decision on local government autonomy, particularly on issues such as financial autonomy.

Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Kano State Deputy Governor and the Forum’s newly appointed Chairman announced at the Forum’s Inaugural Caucus Meeting on Saturday in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

According to the statement, the Forum chairman explained that they will not appeal any Supreme Court decision, but will instead seek a safe way to administer their respective local government ministries.

He stated that the local government service is facing numerous challenges as a result of the Supreme Court’s decisions, and the Forum has even more reasons to convene, discuss, brainstorm, and find a solution.

Gwarzo emphasised that it is common knowledge that the Chief Executives of each state and the legislative branch rely on the ministry for a variety of local government services.

He emphasised that Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in any state are not small ministries, but rather a very large and critical sector that requires someone who is truly trusted by the chief executive to lead it.

The Commissioner acknowledged that local government, as it exists today without traditional institutions, is a massive task, compounded by chieftaincy affairs and their dire demands.

He emphasised that the Forum’s decision to convene to discuss and address emerging issues affecting their respective local governments across the country is commendable and a historic step towards leveraging collective expertise to drive progress and strengthen the third tier.

Gwarzo also admitted that there are still some ambiguities regarding the existence of local government in the country in terms of finances, administration, and elections, among other issues raised by the Supreme Court’s decisions.

“The Forum’s goal is to create a platform for principals to discuss how to improve the system across the country,” he said.

Comr. Aminu has been in local government for 28 years, serving as chairman in 1996, and is currently in charge of overseeing the affairs of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.