Taraba LG Autonomy: Implementation Advisory Committee Meets Union Leaders
By Kabiru Jalo
The role of the Union leadership in the implementation of the local Government Autonomy is vital to the overall development of the people at the grassroots level.
This position was stressed by the Chairman of the seven Man Advisory Committee on the implementation of the local Government Autonomy in Taraba State, Right Hon Abel Peter Diah while interacting with the local Government union leadership, at the conference hall of the Bureau for Local Government, Traditions and Chieftaincy Affairs in Jalingo.
In the quest to actualise its functions and responsibilities, the Chairman and members of the Seven Man Advisory Committee on the implementation of the Local Government autonomy in Taraba state, Right Hon Abel Peter Diah having met with the council chairmen, and other stake holders is also meeting with union leaders whom he described as vital and instrumental in the implementation of the autonomy in Taraba state.
Right Hon Abel Diah said based on the mandate, the Taraba state Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, constituted the Committee to develop a strategy for the implementation of the supreme Court Judgment for the benefits of the people of Taraba State and those under the payroll of the local Government.
To the union leaders and key stakeholders, the Chairman described their roles in the process as crucial being the voices of the people, the champions of progress, and the guardians of collective aspirations who must come together in the spirit of unity and collaboration to fully understand the implications of the historic judgment and to chart a way forward that truly benefits the people of Taraba State.
On the Fiscal Empowerment benefits of the system, he said Local governments can now generate revenue, manage budgets and prioritize investments based on communities’ unique needs.
On Accountability and Transparency, Right Hon Diah said Local governments must adhere to higher standards of financial management, performance monitoring and public reporting to earn the people’s trust through tangible results.
In addition, Councils must endeavour to regularly offset union check-up dues to enable them to administer their offices and tasks which will foster industrial harmony between the management and the unions.
He said even though the path ahead may be challenging, but with their unwavering support, Governor Agbu Kefas’s steadfast leadership and the collective determination of the people of Taraba State, the system will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
In their responses, the union leaders who submitted written copies of their complaints, called for various remuneration and welfare for civil servants of the local Governments as well as salary arrears, implementation of promotions, Annual increments and other entitlements for effective services delivery.
