Ex-LG Boss Proffers Solution To LG Autonomy

Former Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. Tamuno Williams says last Thursday’s Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy is not a decree and as such could be negotiated by states.
Speaking on a live radio programme “Viewpoint” last weekend in Port Harcourt, Hon. Williams said what the state can do now is to enter into agreement with Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on windows to meet deadline for local government elections.
He said such window will help state governments who are yet to conduct elections for Local Government councils to do so without delay.
He, however said he was elated that already the process has begun in Rivers State.
In his words, “I’m happy the Governor here has begun the process and that is a plus. So, if an agreement is reached with the AGF, then the transition to elected chairmen can be done in few months”.
Williams also lauded the governor for recent promotion and welfare of Local Government workers, saying the gesture shows the government is poised to give LG its right status and independence.
On development of local government councils, the former Okrika LG boss stated that some areas need to be legally reviewed, to ensure the local councils have firm control on environment and some exclusive matters which stifle development at the grass roots.
He argued that it was not enough to grant financial autonomy to Local Councils when core constitutional matters are yet to be addressed to give the councils full autonomy of their area.

Kevin Nengia