***Urges Immediately Dissolution Of Local Government Transition Committees in Kogi
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has applauded the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils in the country.
The network, comprising various civil society organizations in Kogi State, hailed the judgement in a statement issued by Chairperson of the Network, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina in Lokoja.
He said that the affirmation of the direct payment of allocations to Local Governments and upholding the financial autonomy of the Councils in Nigeria must be appreciated by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The KONGONET Chairperson praised the Supreme Court’s decision, saying that it marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and promoting transparency and accountability in local administration.
The network called on Kogi State Government to dissolve the current Local Government Transition Committees and initiate mechanisms for democratic elections into the 21 Local Councils in the state.
Amb. Muraina, said that several Civil Society Organizations, including Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) and Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), have expressed support for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
“KONGONET stands united with these organizations in advocating for the timely and transparent transition to elected Local Government leadership”, he added.
The Network congratulated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on the recent affirmation of his mandate by the Appellate Court as the validly elected governor of the state.
“We acknowledge the significance of this legal victory and urge Your Excellency to seize this moment of validation to demonstrate your commitment to good governance and grassroots democracy.
“The time is ripe for the Kogi State Government to demonstrate its dedication to the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability by expediting the process of conducting Councils’ elections.
“By adhering to the Supreme Court judgement and heeding the calls of Civil Society Organizations, the government can uphold the Rule of Law and empower local communities to participate actively in their own development.
“We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively in fulfilling its obligations to the people of Kogi State”, he said. (Ends)
