Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has officially inaugurated a committee dedicated to implementing local government autonomy within the State.
The committee, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osaze Uzi, will work on establishing the modalities for the effective separation of funds between the State and local governments, following a Supreme Court judgment mandating such separation.
The inauguration took place at the Government House in Benin City, where Governor Obaseki outlined the committee’s key priorities.
These include ensuring the timely payment of salaries to local government workers, addressing the pensions and gratuities of retirees, managing traditional council staff, and overseeing primary healthcare.
Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of aligning with the Supreme Court’s ruling, noting that it requires the state to adjust its previous joint administrative arrangements under the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC).
He stated, “As a law-abiding State, we decided to implement this judgment… Hence, the need for the committee to work out the modality for the implementation of the local government autonomy.”
The Governor also raised concerns about potential impacts on critical services, such as basic education and primary healthcare. He stressed the need to protect the welfare of teachers and healthcare workers under the new system.
“Because of the advances we have made in EdoBEST and the basic education system, how do we ensure and guarantee that the teachers do not suffer under this new arrangement of autonomy?” he asked, highlighting the need for clear guidelines on funding responsibilities between the state and local governments.
The committee is expected to address several financial obligations, including the five percent allocation to traditional leaders, the one percent trading fund for the Local Government Service Commission, and the ongoing payment of pensions.
Additionally, the committee will consider how to maintain the joint financing of security personnel training and the expansion of the State’s fiber optic network, which connects primary healthcare facilities.
Governor Obaseki set a deadline for the committee’s report, emphasizing the urgency of the task.
“Time is of importance and your report should come in not later than the last day in September so that full implementation of the Committee will take place by the 1st of October 2024,” he directed.
Responding on behalf of the committee, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo, pledged to meet the Governor’s expectations.
He noted, “Your arrangement has made it possible to pay salaries and pension and this is the modality we want to adopt. The report of the committee will come at the stipulated time.”
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