Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed the forum’s appreciation for the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling granting independence to local government areas. According to AbdulRazaq, the court’s decision brings significant relief to governors, alleviating the long-standing burdens they have faced.
Governor AbdulRazaq, flanked by Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum, and Dr. Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, made the comment while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.
“The governors are committed to complying with the Supreme Court’s verdict, and our Attorney Generals have already applied for the enrollment order, which we will carefully review,” AbdulRazaq assured.
“Overall, we welcome the devolution of power to local governments, as it lifts a significant burden off our shoulders.”
However, the governor highlighted that the public is often unaware of the financial support states provide to local governments, which can be substantial. “In Kwara State, we have always ensured that local government funds are not tampered with,” AbdulRazaq emphasized.
He further added that going forward, local governments must take responsibility for managing their finances effectively, particularly with the upcoming minimum wage increase, to ensure timely salary payments and the five percent allocation to traditional rulers, among other priorities.