Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced his full support for financial independence for local councils.
Speaking on Sunday, he also revealed plans to hold Local Government elections in the state “very soon.”
In a meeting with stakeholders from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at the Government House, Governor Yusuf recalled that his administration allowed All Progressive Congress (APC) elected Local Government chairmen to complete their terms. This was before appointing caretaker committee chairmen to manage the Local Government Areas until elections could be held.
The state government said it has already shown its readiness for these elections by inaugurating the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC).
A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said that Governor Yusuf is committed to conducting the council elections in strict compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment which affirmed financial autonomy for local governments.
Governor Yusuf stressed the importance of adhering to the rule of law and ensuring financial prudence, accountability, and transparency at all levels of governance.
He promised that the upcoming Local Government elections would be free, fair, and credible. He encouraged opposition parties to freely field capable candidates, assuring them that his government would not interfere in the electoral process.
“Our administration allowed the previous Local Government Executive Councils in the 44 Local Government Areas to finish their tenure despite internal pressure. This decision was made out of respect for the rule of law,” said Yusuf.
He continued, “Our commitment to accountability and the recent Supreme Court judgment have prompted us to prepare for council elections.”
Governor Yusuf confirmed that preparations by KANSIEC for the council polls are well underway and that the elections would take place soon.
“We will soon invite you to select our party’s candidates for the 44 Local Government Areas, who will run for the positions of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors,” he added.
