Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has pinpointed several key challenges that may hinder the effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
These challenges include financial management, personnel issues, and ongoing joint development projects between the state and local governments.
In light of the recent ruling, the Governor has sought clarification from the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice regarding the implications of this landmark decision on the financial independence of local governments.
During a stakeholders meeting aimed at discussing the ramifications of the judgment, Radda reaffirmed the state’s dedication to upholding the constitution of Nigeria. This commitment was communicated through a statement issued by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, in Abuja on Saturday.
In the statement, Radda emphasized, “Katsina State respects the law and will function within the framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.
I have requested a comprehensive report from the state attorney general concerning the legal repercussions of the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
Radda, who has firsthand experience as a former chairman of the Charanchi Local Government during President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s administration, expressed empathy towards the current local government chairmen, acknowledging the challenges they face.
In a bid to enhance local government operations, the Governor announced plans to conduct elections for local government councils once the current leaders’ terms conclude.
“We have already conducted party primaries in adherence to electoral best practices, and some of the sitting chairmen are expected to return through a democratic process, Insha Allah.In this current climate, we are likely the only state to successfully transition from one democratically elected council to another,” he stated.
Addressing the potential obstacles stemming from the court’s decision, particularly in the areas of financial oversight, personnel management, and ongoing developmental initiatives, Radda revealed that between June 2023 and June 2024, local governments in Katsina received approximately N130.1 billion in federal allocations.
He detailed the distribution of these funds, noting that N66 billion was allocated for salaries, N10.1 billion for pensions and gratuities, N12.13 billion for security measures, N376.6 million for specific security requests from certain local governments, and N4 billion for direct operational costs of local councils.
