Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy Welcomed by Akwa Ibom Governor
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has hailed the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local government areas as a welcome development and relief to state governments. However, he has also expressed concerns over the effective implementation of the ruling, particularly with regards to the ability of local governments to handle their financial responsibilities.
Eno made the observations while fielding questions from Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return to the state from a foreign official engagement. He noted that the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy remains sacrosanct, being the pronouncement of the final court in the land.
The governor, who has not touched any funds allocated to local governments since assuming office, expressed concerns about how local government workers would be paid promptly and how primary school teachers would be paid. He also emphasized the need to clear the backlog of arrears that have accumulated over time.
Eno reassured that the judgment would not impact the Akwa Ibom State Government in any way, as local governments have been receiving their due allocations without any interference with the operations of the joint account. He also highlighted the efforts of his administration to offset arrears of gratuities, pensions, salaries, and other entitlements to local government workers.
Under the new arrangement, the governor urged local governments to take over the responsibility of prompt payment of salaries and other emoluments to teachers, health workers, and other local government workers to avoid leaving an unnecessary burden of arrears to successive governments.
Eno expressed his confidence that the Supreme Court’s judgment would benefit the state and local governments, as it aligns with his administration’s ARISE agenda, which prioritizes rural development. While he welcomes the development, he remains concerned about how local governments would bear the brunt of the autonomy.
As the implementation of the ruling unfolds, it remains to be seen how local governments will adapt to their new financial autonomy and how the Akwa Ibom State Government will support their efforts.
