GOVERNOR Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has described the Supreme Court’s decision granting financial autonomy to local government councils as a relief to state governments.
Eno who made the statement while speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, expressed concerns over the effective implementation of the new order.
“The recent decision of the Apex Court is a welcome development; it is also a huge relief to state governments. My concern is its effective implementation, and the ability of local governments to handle their financial responsibilities,” he said.
The governor said that the decision had become the extant law, being the pronouncement of the highest court in the country.
He said said that the decision had thrown up a few challenges concerning the prompt payment of local government workers salaries.
“The challenge I envisage now is how primary school teachers can be paid promptly? How do we even clear the backlog that we have?” he asked.
Eno said that under his watch, local governments had always received their due allocations, saying: “I have not touched any fund meant for council authorities.”
He further stated that part of his administration’s ARISE Agenda was centred around the development of local government areas.
“So, with this judgement, 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,” he said. (NAN)
