CSOs seek endorsement of LG Autonomy in Ongoing Constitutional Amendment.
Civil Society Organizations in Kaduna State have called on the state House of Assembly to pass the impending resolution in favour of Financial and Administrative autonomy to Local Governments, the Judiciary and the Institutionalization of Legislative Bureaucracy.
The Coordinator, Coalition of Association for leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development Mr Yusuf Goje made the appeal in a statement after a one day stakeholders meeting in Kaduna organized with supported by the Partnership to Engage, Reform & Learn, PERL.
He said the ongoing constitutional amendment aimed at giving autonomy to Local Governments and the Judiciary will address the rising insecurity, unemployment and poverty, while at the same time providing inclusive development and growth.
Mr. Yusuf Goje emphasized that the autonomy bills have been passed by the National Assembly but are currently awaiting at least two third majority vote by the state Assemblies.
He stated that though the Kaduna state government claims autonomy to the Local authorities, it still operates joint account policy which mandates the Local Government to remit funds to the state coffer.
In their separate comments, representatives of women Organizations Mrs. Florence Aya and that of NULGE Mallam Nasiru Suleiman said the ongoing constitution constitutional amendment seeks to abolish the principles of caretaker committee to Local Government, making it a first line charge with financial autonomy to state legislators and the Judiciary among other amendments.
Cover/Shindong Bala
