From Abubakar Abdullahi, Lafia
Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) has appreciated the landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court that granted financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Councils in the country.
The National President of ALGON, Aminu Maifata stated this at a press briefing on in Lafia, Nasararawa State Capital on Monday.
Maifata who is also the Lafia Local Government Chairman said the association was happy with the decision of the apex court.
The National leader of ALGON commended President Bola Tinubu for taking the initiative to redress the lingering issue on the local government autonomy through the judiciary.
He said the LG Chairmen would be looking forward to a more robust working relationship with their state governors, whom he described as their principals.
The ALGON leader also said that they would prioritize the welfare of workers, infrastructural development, and security issues amongst other things to restore happiness and prosperity in the country.
The ALGON President added that all the 774 local government Chinamen would redouble their efforts towards delivering dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
“We know that there are so many expectations from us at this time under the new arrangements where our funds will come directly.”
“So, we are very much aware of all these and by the grace of God the country will be better for it in the next couple of weeks or years,” he added.”
He further appealed to the federal government to review the current revenue-sharing formula in favor of the 774 area councils to enable them to pay the new minimum wage if eventually agreed and made a law.
“I strongly believe that President Bola Tinubu will do something about the revenues of the local government councils in the country before a final decision is reached on the new minimum wage.”
“The president is one person that believes in the democratisation of the local government system which was why he took this steps to ensure that they operate as the third tier of government,” he added.
He said that reviewing the sharing formula would also enable the area councils to embark on infrastructural development and equally address the insecurity currently ravaging the country.
“It will also help us to generate employment and create an enabling environment for people to go about their lawful businesses without fear of attack or being kidnapped,” the ALGON President added.”
