Zamfara State Government has expressed its resolve to comply with the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government’s autonomy, emphasizing the critical role the third tier of the government plays in bringing development closer to the grassroots.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada stated this on Tuesday in Gusau, while making his remarks at the opening ceremony of the workshop organized for the management staff, electoral officers and assistant electoral officers of the Zamfara State Independent Electoral Commission, ZASIEC.
The SSG who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, Dr Lawal Hussein said, Governor Dauda Lawal is committed to promoting democratic principles and respecting the rule of law, charging the commission to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“In July this year, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in the country”, he added.
“This ruling reaffirms the critical role of Local Governments as the third tier of government and the closest to the people”
“It underscores the need for democratic representation, which can only be truly achieved when elected officers, not appointed caretakers, govern these councils”
“The administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has, therefore, recognised the importance of putting all necessary measures in place to ensure the timely and democratic conduct of the forthcoming local government elections”
“This pre-election workshop is a testament to the administration’s unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law”
“Upholding the integrity of our electoral processes is a task of paramount importance, and this workshop serves as a platform to equip those who will be at the forefront of this crucial responsibility”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Sani Ibrahim Ruwan Doruwa represented by Bashir Iliyasu Tsafe commended the State government for giving the commission all the necessary support.
“The Commission is heavily indebted to the State Government for extending its hands of support and financial wherewithal towards making it possible to hold this program,” he said.
