by Collins Agwam
Following the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which granted autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas in the country, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria has vowed to collaborate with the various state governments to tackle the issues of insecurity.
This was contained in a communique issued to journalists on Sunday at the end of the 48th National Executive Council meeting of the association which was held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The communique was jointly signed by the ALGON chairmen of Gombe and Ogun States, Barr. Sani Haruna and Hon. Emiola Gazal respectively.
According to the communique, the members of ALGON also expressed their readiness to embark on meaningful projects in their respective LGAs that would have positive impacts on the lives of their people.
During the 3-day event in Lafia, the ALGON NEC further expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the judiciary for the respective roles they played in ensuring that Local Government Councils function properly as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The communique read in part, “It is important to say that the Local Government Councils can address issues of insecurity (in collaboration with State Governments) and address all its responsibilities like the Primary Health Care, Basic Education, Water, Rural Development and other critical Infrastructures, as enshrined in the 4th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).
“The NEC appreciates all the private concerns, institutions, and corporate bodies that made valid presentations at the Council meeting on the development of Local Governments; and pledges to collaborate in the interest of the larger populace of the grassroots.
“The NEC at this moment advice members, all Council Chairmen across the Country to be well guided in terms of information to promote a harmonious relationship between the Tiers and Arms of Governments in line with global best practices as exemplified by the United Cities and Local Governments in rendering the dividends of Democracy and service to the rural populace.
“The NEC expresses its gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Commander of the Armed Forces, Members of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Judiciary, National Assembly, Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Critical Stakeholders, Mass Media, the civil society organisations and the entire leadership of our local communities, the general public for this historic Supreme Court Judgment which granted Autonomy to the Local Governments.”
The ALGON NEC further thanked Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; the entire members of the State Executive Council and the Traditional Council chaired by the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice Side Bage (Rtd), for the warmth hospitality which was granted to them during the council meeting.
While assuring Nigerians that LG chairmen will henceforth intensify efforts to offer more responsive and responsible leadership across the 774 LGAs, the NEC announced the appointment of its new National Legal Adviser as a member of the EXCO in the person of Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna, and expressed confidence in his capacity to serve the association.(punch)
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