By Nelson Utip
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State applauds the Supreme Court on its ruling on the Local Government autonomy suit, seeing it as a big burden off the shoulders of state governors, while voicing out his reservations on the practicability and effective implementation and the ability to the Local Governments to handle the burden of the financial responsibilities.
The Governor bared his mind in an interaction with Newsmen at The Victor Attach International Airport, Uyo on his return from an official engagement.
Governor Eno observed that the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy must be implemented as it is from the highest court in the nation.
The Governor said that the judgement will not have any impact on the Akwa Ibom State Government as his administration and those before him has not been tampering with allocations meant for the third tier of government , affirming that his Administration’s ARISE Agenda emphasizes rural development.
READ ALSO: Gov Eno Orders the Release of N4.755bn For Gratuities, Allowances For Civil Servants
He restated that his government has provided a huge amount of funds to offset arrears of gratuities, pensions, salaries and other entitlements to local government workers, noting that the autonomy granted the third tier of government is a big relief to the state government.
READ ALSO: Gov Eno Gifts Civil Servants N1.4bn As Bonus
Governor Eno expressed hope that local governments will henceforth take over the responsibility of prompt payment of salary and other emoluments to teachers, health workers and other LG workers to avoid leaving unnecessary burden of arrears to successive governments. “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 be paid promptly? How will primary school teachers be paid promptly? How do we clear the backlog that we have? I pray that we find a way around this.
“Our ARISE Agenda is also centered around developing the local government areas, so with this judgement, I feel relieved but my concern is how they would bear the brunt of the autonomy.” The Governor said.
