IBUKUNOLUWA KING-OKUNEYE
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed the Local Government Autonomy bill into law.
The Autonomy bill was passed at Wednesday’s plenary following the state lawmakers’ decision to alter the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, to abolish the Joint Account of the State and Local Governments.
The bill seeks to establish different accounts for local governments where they will receive their allocation from the Federal Government account.
The lawmakers unanimously supported this bill saying it was in due time.
Alhaji Alfa Rabiu, the Deputy Speaker, who presided over Wednesday’s sitting highlighted that the bill would enhance democracy and would provide financial independence at the local government level.
Anthony Ujah, the member representing Olamaboro Constituency, expressed that the bill was long overdue and it would take financial pressure off the state government.
The member representing Adavi, Ibrahim Usman added that the bill would enhance development at the grassroots.
His Lokoja counterpart, Umar Tenimu explained that Local Governments have not been able to carry out their responsibilities due to the Joint Account.
The President of the Kogi State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Tade Adeyemi, applauded the State Assembly for the passage of the bill saying the passage would ensure security and development on the council areas.
He pleaded with other State Assemblies to ensure the passage of the bill so as to get the required two third majority at the National Assembly.