Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has said his government is not against local government autonomy but the section 7 of the Nigeria constitution must
be amended before they could be granted autonomy,
He said governors would continue to control local government’s funds until the amendment is carried out.
The governor stated this while signing the N166.985bn 2023 State’s budget into law at the Government House Chambers in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday saying the call for local governments autonomy is very fundamental but conflicting because Section 7 of the constitution.
Bagudu said for local government autonomy to sail through all state assemblies must be in agreement for the national assembly to amend Section 7 of the constitution else governors have powers to control local government funds.
He said his administration was not against local government autonomy as being insuinated in some quarters. “Kebbi is not reluctant to grant local government and judiciary their autonomies.
“Last week, there was a joint meeting of all governors and speakers of the state assemblies where I raised issues on this and security issues.
“I said the national assembly should grant powers to state assemblies to deal with security challenges in their states.
“And should also have powers to appoint judicial officers, their emolument and impeachment. I said, If state assembly has power to impeach governor it should have power to control the judiciary”, Bagudu said.
Governor said the 2023 budget signed by him into law would be implemented by two administrations as he is mandated to leave office by May 29, 2023.