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In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State assured that his administration’s non-interference policy in council funds remains unwavering, ensuring that the judgment will have no significant impact on his government.
During a question-and-answer session with reporters at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Governor Umo Eno praised the Supreme Court’s decision on local government financial autonomy, characterizing it as a significant milestone that brings relief to state governments and paves the way for more effective governance.
Governor Umo Eno tempered his optimism about the Supreme Court’s ruling with caution, expressing concerns that the leaders at the local government level might not fully embrace the responsibilities that come with financial autonomy, potentially undermining its potential impact.
As local governments take the reins of financial autonomy, Governor Umo Eno worried about their capacity to discharge fundamental responsibilities, including the prompt payment of salaries and benefits to their employees, a task that requires strong administrative capabilities and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
His words: “The Supreme Court has made pronouncements. That’s the final court of the land, but for us in Akwa Ibom, honestly I don’t see us having any issues. For me, this is a welcome development because I know how much we, as a state support the local governments.
“It is a relief to state governments. Since I assumed office, I’ve not touched any funds allocated to the local governments. The only challenge I envisage now, which we have to sit down and find a way around is how the local government workers would be paid promptly?
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“How will primary school teachers be paid promptly? How do we clear the backlog that we have? I pray that we find a way around this.
“Our ARISE Agenda is also centered around developing the local government areas, so with this judgement, I feel relieved but my concern is how they would bear the brunt of the autonomy.”, Governor Eno asserted.
