Newscenter Media News Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has welcomed the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, emphasizing its significance while expressing reservations about its practical implementation.
Speaking to Government House correspondents at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo upon his return from an official engagement on Monday, Governor Eno lauded the Supreme Court’s decision as a pivotal moment for local governance across the nation.
He described the ruling as a relief to state governments, underscoring its importance in ensuring that local authorities can independently manage their financial affairs.
“The Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy is a landmark decision, and it is binding. This is a positive development, especially considering the substantial support our state provides to local governments,” Governor Eno stated.
However, amidst his praise for the autonomy ruling, Governor Eno raised concerns about the challenges that could arise in its implementation. He highlighted the crucial issue of ensuring that local governments can effectively handle their financial responsibilities, particularly in promptly paying salaries and addressing arrears owed to teachers, health workers, and other local government employees.
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“Our concern now is how local government workers, especially teachers and health workers, will receive timely payments without accumulating arrears that could burden future administrations,” Governor Eno remarked. “Since assuming office, we have ensured that local governments receive their allocations without interference, but now the focus shifts to their capability under this new autonomy.”
Governor Eno further expressed confidence in finding viable solutions to the challenges posed by the autonomy ruling, urging collaborative efforts to ensure its smooth implementation across Akwa Ibom State.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, and now we must strategize to uphold the integrity of this decision while ensuring our local governments thrive,” he added.
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