The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has expressed confidence in the states assembly to expeditiously pass the bill granting financial and administrative autonomy to local government areas as done by the National Assembly.
Mr Aminu Maifata, ALGON Deputy President, said this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital.
Maifata, who is also the Chairman, Lafia Local Government Area in Nasarawa State, said the passage of the bill would pave way for development at the third tier of government.
He said the National Assembly had done its own part by passing the amendment bill granting local government councils autonomy.
“The third tier of government is optimistic and convinced that the bill will scale through at the states assembly as the required two/third majority from the states houses assembly will comply with the yearnings of Nigerians.
“I am confident that the States Assembly will pass local government autonomy bill because if you look at the zeal of President Muhammadu Buhari, you will notice that he wants the third tier of government to get full autonomy.
“We have that conviction in us that the required two/third majority passage from 36 states Houses Assembly will also scale through.
“Also with the yearnings of the masses for the local government autonomy, this time around we will get it.
“I am sure the states governors will yield to what the generality of Nigerians want; that is giving more life to the third tier of government due to enormous responsibilities they expected to perform,” he said.
Maifata expressed confidence in the Speaker of Nasarawa State Assembly, Mr Abdullahi Balarabe to replicate what the National Assembly did in passing the local government autonomy bills.
He also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for allowing the local government areas to operate without interference.
“As far as I’m concerned, particularly in Nasarawa State, we are very lucky to have Gov. Sule, he never interfere in the affairs of local government councils.
“Council chairmen in the state are at liberty to direct what comes from federation account to LGAs’ account without interference from the governor.
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“This we have been enjoying since he assumed office as governor of Nasarawa state,” he said.
