By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Executive Director,
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul on Friday in Lokoja called on Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo to annul the extension of the transition council caretakers and put in place machinery for council elections in the state.
Comrade Abdul who made the call
In a release he personally signed and made available to the Press in Lokoja noted that the call has become necessary sequel to the Supreme Court judgement granting full financial autonomy to all local government councils in the country.
“We are worried over the consequences that will befall the Local Government staff and the security situation at Local Government level in Kogi State. ”
The implications in sustaining the caretaker committee system in the state according to the Activist is that: “states are from now ceased to operate local government caretaker committee chairmanship, as any state still operating such system will not be given her allocation.”
“Such allocation according to the judgement would be withheld and not released to neither the state governors nor the local government caretaker committee chairmen any more.”
He called on the State Governor to reverse the illegal extension of the tenure of Local Government Council as pronounced by State Assembly on Friday 5th July, 2024 and to replace them with the Directors of Local Government across the state.
“For the purpose of payment of salary and security of the Local Government areas, the Kogi State Government should continue to make money available in form of loan to the Local Government Council pending when democratically elected Local Government Council will be put in place.”
“With the supplementary budget approved by the State Assembly on the 5th of July, 2024, the Kogi government can conveniently conduct Local Government Elections in the state.” He added.
Comrade Abdul assured that CHRCR would continue to advocate for democratic dispensation that will promote financial autonomy of Local Government Administration in Kogi State.
“We therefore commend the Supreme Court for this laudable and historical judgement that affects rural dwellers and being antidote to insecurity uproar in the country.”
