The newly-inaugurated Forum of Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has pledged that the formation will have a significant effect across the country regarding the recent court decision on local government autonomy, especially issues like financial autonomy.
Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who doubles as the newly-appointed Chairman of the forum, made this disclosure during the Forum’s inaugural caucus meeting held in Abuja on Saturday.
According to a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, and made available to journalists on Saturday, the Forum chairman explained that they will not appeal any decision ruled by the Supreme Court but will instead navigate to find a safe way of conducting the administration of their respective local government ministries.
He noted that the local government service is facing numerous challenges resulting from the Supreme Court’s decisions, and the Forum has more reasons to come together, discuss, brainstorm, and find a way forward.
Gwarzo reminded that it is a known fact that the chief executives of every state and the legislative arm rely on the ministry for many things from the local government.
He emphasized that local government and chieftaincy affairs in any state are by no means a small ministry but a very large and critical sector that needs someone who is really trusted by the chief executive to head that ministry.
The Commissioner acknowledged that local government, as constituted in modern times without traditional institutions attached to it, is a very big and enormous task, now combined with chieftaincy affairs coupled with its dire demands.
He stressed that the Forum coming together to discuss and address emerging issues regarding their respective local governments nationwide is commendable and a historic step towards harnessing collective expertise to drive progress and strengthen the third tier of government.
Gwarzo also acknowledged that there are still some gray areas regarding the existence of local government in the country in terms of finances, administration, and elections, among other rising issues triggered by the Supreme Court’s decisions.
“The forum aims to create a platform to discuss how to advise their principals to improve the system across the country,” he said.
Aminu has been in the local government for the past 28 years, serving as chairman in 1996, and is currently charged with supervising the affairs of state ministries of local government and chieftaincy affairs.
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