Local Council Autonomy: Kano Committed To Holding Free, Fair And Credible LG Polls – Gov Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has expressed its readiness to conduct Local Council  Polls to usher in elected officials.

This, it said, is in compliance with the  Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the financial independence of the Third Tier of Government in the Country.

A statement issued on Sunday July 21 ,2024 ,in Kano by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,  Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Spokesperson, said the Governor made this  known on Friday ,at a meeting with New Nigeria Party NNPP  stakeholders held at the Africa House, Kano.

The Kano State Governor at the parley emphasised his Government’s unwavering commitment and respect for the rule of law, financial prudence, accountability and transparency in the conduct of Government affairs.

While promising that the NNPP led administration is poised to conduct free, fair and credible Local Government election, Governor Yusuf also assured opposition parties of a level playing ground .

” Our administration has allowed the previous Local Government Executive Councils in the 44 LGAs to finish their tenure despite pressure from within.This is out of the respect we have for the rule of law.

“So our respect for accountability, and in consideration of the recent Supreme Court judgment, triggered our readiness to conduct council election” he said

Governor Yusuf informed that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission KANSIEC, has already commenced preparations, for the conduct of Local Council polls.

“We will soon invite you again for the selection of our party’s candidates that will run for the office of Chairmen ,Vice Chairmen, and Councilors  of the 44 local councils.

“We shall run a peaceful campaign ,with the believe that majority of Kano people will vote for the NNPP”

The Source reports that the Apex Court in the land had  on Thursday, June 20, 2024 ,in a suit filed by the Federal Government, ruled to affirm the financial independence of local Councils.

The Supreme court had also declared, as illegal, the continued use of undemocratically elected officials to run the affairs of the councils among others.

The Court equally  ordered the withholding of the Federal  Allocation of Councils operating with unelected officials.