Two months into the implementation of full autonomy for the Legislature and Judiciary in Plateau State, heads of the three Arms of Government have vowed to continue to work together in the interest of citizens of the State.
This is even as Governor
Simon Bako Lalong has disclosed that Plateau has become a model for other
States who have sent teams to understudy its operations in order to fine-tune
their modalities for implementing autonomy in their States.
Governor Lalong was speaking when he received the report of the State Accounts Allocation Committee (SAAC) which provided the framework and final negotiations that led to the adoption of the modalities for implementing autonomy in Plateau State.
Governor Lalong said the
implementation of full autonomy for all arms of Government is a clear
indication that his Rescue Administration believes in the growth and stability
of institutions that are necessary for building democracy and allowing the
people to benefit more from good governance.
He said “right from the
onset, we were committed to implementing autonomy because we were never afraid.
From the benefit of my experience as a lawyer, legislator and now Governor, I
clearly understood that autonomy is a win-win situation for the arms of
Government and the people. It will definitely increase accountability and
transparency as well as frugal management of resources. Because we were sincere
and honest, we had no difficulty in confronting tough hurdles towards reaching
a compromise on various issues. Today, many States are coming to learn from us.
At the moment, Niger, Adamawa and Nasarawa States have sent their people to
come and study what we have done”.
Speaker of the Plateau State
House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nuhu Abok Ayuba expressed the appreciation of the
House to Governor Lalong for his personal commitment and openness which made
him to be the first Governor to implement full autonomy even when many States
are yet to fully embrace and implement the idea. He said Governor Lalong has
written his name in gold and will remain a shining example for democracy and
the rule of law in Nigeria.
Chief Judge of Plateau State
Justice Yakubu Gyang Dakwak also appreciated the efforts of the Governor who
did not only adhere to legal requirements, but also facilitated political
solutions to deal with grey areas that stood in the way of implementing the
autonomy in a way to satisfy all the arms of Government.
He maintained that the
implementation of Autonomy is by no means a divorce among the three arms of
Government, but an arrangement to enhance effectiveness of the arms in serving
the people. He emphasised that the concept of one Government is superior to
that of independence, hence the need for more synergy in the new dispensation.
Secretary to the Government
of the State Prof. Danladi Atu who chaired the Committee said the members who
were drawn from the various arms worked assiduously to reach an amicable
resolution and will continue to work together as the implementation continues,
in order to eliminate any challenge that may arise.
The Governor will also sign
the Funds Management Law which has been passed and is a key component of
implementing autonomy as it will guide the management of all funds accruing to
the various tiers of Government.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press &
Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State
7th July 2021
No comments:
Post a Comment