The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has lauded the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his commitment to Local Government Financial Autonomy, in compliance with last year’s Supreme Court ruling.
The landmark judgment reaffirmed the constitutional authority of Local Government Councils to manage their finances independently, without interference from state governments. Governor Yahaya’s decision to fully implement this directive has been hailed as a bold step towards strengthening democracy and fostering sustainable grassroots development.
In a statement, NCYP Chairman, Isaac Abrak, commended the governor for allowing Local Government Chairmen in Gombe State full control over their funds, describing it as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law and dedication to democratic governance.
He stated: “Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s actions go beyond mere compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive; they exemplify his dedication to empowering local governments and driving sustainable development at the grassroots level. His leadership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to combat poverty and insecurity by ensuring that all 774 Local Government Councils across Nigeria have direct access to their financial resources.”
The NCYP urged other state governors to follow Yahaya’s example, emphasizing that he has demonstrated integrity and accountability by refraining from manipulating the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) system—an avenue often exploited to divert funds meant for local governance.
The statement also acknowledged the role of financial regulatory agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), in ensuring transparent fund management. It noted that EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated that Local Government Chairmen are not immune to prosecution, with the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) system actively monitoring their financial activities.
Abrak added: “We urge the Chairmen of the 11 Local Government Areas in Gombe State to justify the trust placed in them by Governor Yahaya and President Tinubu. They must ensure transparent and effective utilization of funds to uplift grassroots communities. By doing so, they will serve as models of responsible governance for other states.”
The NCYP further called on the Federal Committee on Local Government Financial Autonomy, led by Senator George Akume, to provide regular updates on the progress of the initiative. Public engagement, they emphasized, is essential to ensuring the success of this pro-masses, national reform.
The statement concluded by urging civil society organizations, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to support the full enforcement of this constitutional provision. “A financially independent local government system is critical to Nigeria’s democratic progress and economic development. We must all work together to ensure its full implementation.”
