Taraba Governor Unveils Advisory Committee on Local Government Autonomy

On Monday, Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas inaugurated an advisory committee to guide the state government on implementing the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming financial autonomy for local government councils in the country.

During the inauguration at the Exco chambers of the Taraba Government House in Jalingo, Kefas tasked the committee with developing a roadmap for the judgement’s implementation. He noted that this event marks a milestone towards a more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance system in the state, aligning with his commitment to decentralisation and local empowerment.

The governor mentioned that in April, he had directed the state Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that local government chairpersons take full responsibility for managing the joint account and other administrative affairs in their areas.

“This directive is not just a policy change. It is a profound shift towards true autonomy and self-governance for our local governments. It also empowers them to make decisions that directly affect the welfare of our constituents, ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently and effectively to meet local demands,” Kefas stated.

He added that establishing the advisory committee demonstrates the government’s determined commitment to strengthening local governments in Taraba State. Kefas expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the committee, the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, and all stakeholders would achieve the vision of a decentralised, empowered, and prosperous Taraba.

The committee will be chaired by Abel Diah, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and current Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Traditional Affairs, with Ezekiel Polycarp as secretary. Other members include the Secretary to the State Government, Timothy Kataps, the state chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Hassan Aminu, the state attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Yakubu Maikasuwa, as well as Lilian Jonathan and Bala Hussein.