Taraba Gov, Kefas Inaugurates LG Autonomy Advisory Committee

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has expressed his strong support for the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, aligning it with his administration’s goals of decentralization and local empowerment.

At the inauguration event for the state’s Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee, Kefas emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in promoting democracy and justice.

“It is with great pride and a sense of responsibility that we are here today to inaugurate the Local Government Areas Autonomy Advisory Committee,” he stated.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more democratic, accountable, and efficient governance system in Taraba State. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment, which aligns perfectly with our administration’s commitment to decentralization and local empowerment, sets a clear path for the full autonomy of our Local Government Areas,” he added.

Kefas highlighted that this judgment supports his earlier decision to hold Local Government Council elections on November 18, 2023, with the swearing-in of elected council chairmen scheduled for November 23, 2023. These steps are crucial to ensuring local governments have the mandate and legitimacy to serve their communities effectively.

To prepare the newly elected council officials, the state organized a comprehensive workshop and induction program. This initiative aimed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle challenges, especially security issues that have historically troubled the state.

In a noteworthy achievement, for the first time in the state’s history, a Local Government Election Tribunal was established without receiving a single election petition, underscoring the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

Governor Kefas noted that even before the Supreme Court’s ruling, he had granted full autonomy to local government chairmen via the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional, and Chieftaincy Affairs, emphasizing a profound shift towards true autonomy and self-governance for local governments.

“In my communication to the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs on April 26, 2024, I directed that the Local Government Council Chairmen should take full responsibility for the management of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) and other administrative affairs,” Kefas explained. “This directive is not just a policy change; it is a profound shift towards true autonomy and self-governance for our local governments.”

At the event, Kefas officially inaugurated the advisory committee, detailing its terms of reference, including implementation oversight, capacity building, financial autonomy, administrative reforms, security coordination, community engagement, and evaluation and feedback.

“The establishment of this advisory committee is a clear demonstration of our determined commitment to strengthening local governments in Taraba State. I do not doubt that with the combined effort of this committee, the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, and all stakeholders, we will achieve our vision of a decentralized, empowered, and prosperous Taraba,” he concluded.

Kefas urged all citizens of Taraba State to remain committed to service, transparency, and accountability, working together to create a governance system that meets the needs of the people and sets a benchmark for others to follow.