S’court judgment on LG autonomy a relief to states, says Umo Eno

Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, says the supreme court’s verdict on financial autonomy for LGAs is a huge relief to state governments.

Eno spoke on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists. 

On Thursday, the supreme court ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to LG councils. 

The seven-member panel of justices held that state governments have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.

The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations of LGAs governed by unelected officials. 

“The recent decision of the apex court is a welcome development. It is also a huge relief to state governments,” Eno said.

“My concern is its effective implementation and the ability of local governments to handle their financial responsibilities.

“The challenge I envisage now is how primary school teachers can be paid promptly. How do we even clear the backlog that we have?”

The governor said his administration has not diverted funds meant for LGs. 

“I have not touched any fund meant for council authorities,” he said.

“So with this judgment, I feel relieved, but my concern is how they will bear the brunt of the autonomy.

“My administration has channelled volumes of funds into offsetting arrears of gratuities, pensions, salaries and other entitlements to local government workers.

“It is my hope that under the new arrangement, local governments will take over the responsibilities of paying the salaries of teachers, health workers and other personnel.”