The Zamfara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to the recent Supreme Court judgment that grants financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. This decision highlights the critical role local governments play in fostering grassroots development and bringing governance closer to the people.
Speaking on Tuesday in Gusau during the opening ceremony of a workshop for the management staff, electoral officers, and assistant electoral officers of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission (ZASIEC), the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, emphasized the state’s dedication to promoting democratic values. The event was aimed at enhancing the capacity of electoral officers ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
In a statement by Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Senior Special Assistant on Media, said Nakwada was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Lawal Hussein, reiterated Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to ensuring that the state fully complies with the court ruling, which he described as a victory for democracy. He called on the electoral commission to uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in the forthcoming elections.
“In July, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that reaffirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas,” Nakwada said. “This ruling not only strengthens local governments as the third tier of governance but also ensures that elected officials, rather than appointed caretakers, are the ones managing these councils.”
He further stressed the importance of holding timely and democratic local government elections, adding that Governor Lawal’s administration has put all necessary measures in place to facilitate free, fair, and credible elections. The workshop, according to Nakwada, reflects the administration’s dedication to democracy and the rule of law, serving as a platform to equip electoral officers with the skills needed to oversee the process.
Earlier, Sani Ibrahim Ruwan Doruwa, Chairman of ZASIEC, represented by Hon. Bashir Iliyasu Tsafe, expressed gratitude to the state government for its continued support, particularly in ensuring the commission has the necessary resources to conduct its activities effectively.
“The support from the state government, both financial and logistical, has been instrumental in organizing this workshop and preparing for the local government elections,” Tsafe noted.
This workshop and the government’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that local governance is transparent, democratic, and responsive to the needs of the people.
