Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has described the recent Supreme Court ruling, which provides financial autonomy to local governments, as a favorable development and a welcomed relief for state governments.
He, however, expressed concerns over its effective implementation and the ability of LGs to handle their financial responsibilities.
The governor made the observations while fielding questions from Government House correspondents at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return to the state from an official engagement.
He noted that the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy remains sacrosanct, being the pronouncement of the final court in the land.
He also revealed that his government has channeled volumes of funds into offsetting arrears of gratuities, pensions, salaries, and other entitlements to local government workers, noting that the autonomy granted to the third tier of government is a relief to the state government.
He said, “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.
“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.”