— Urges Kogi State Government to Conduct Council Elections
By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), has said that in light of the crucial ruling of the supreme court, granting financial autonomy to Local Government in Nigeria, there is need for the Kogi State Government to embrace this moment of opportunity and swiftly initiate the necessary mechanisms to conduct local government council elections in the state.
In a statement by Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Chairperson
KONGONET, noted that it is imperative that the current local government transition committee be dissolved immediately, to pave way for democratically elected chairmen to take charge and serve the interests of the local communities.
He noted that “this decision marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and promoting transparency and accountability in local administration.
Speaking further he said,
“The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), representing numerous civil society network groups in Kogi State, warmly welcomes the recent landmark Supreme Court judgement affirming the direct payment of allocations to local governments and upholding the financial autonomy of local government councils in Nigeria.
“This decision marks a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and promoting transparency and accountability in local administration.
“In light of this crucial ruling, KONGONET calls upon the Kogi State Government to embrace this moment of opportunity and swiftly initiate the necessary mechanisms to conduct local government council elections in the state.
“It is imperative that the current local government transition committee be dissolved immediately to pave the way for democratically elected chairmen to take charge and serve the interests of the local communities.
“Several esteemed civil society organizations in Kogi State, including Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), Initiative for Grassroot Advance (INGRA), and others, have voiced their support for the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
“KONGONET stands united with these organizations in advocating for the timely and transparent transition to elected local government leadership.
“Furthermore, we congratulate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, on the recent affirmation of his mandate by the Appellate Court as the validly elected governor of the state.
“We acknowledge the significance of this legal victory and urge the Governor to seize this moment of validation to demonstrate his commitment to good governance and grassroots democracy.
“The time is ripe for the Kogi State Government to demonstrate its dedication to the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability by expediting the process of conducting local government elections.
“By adhering to the Supreme Court judgement and heeding the calls of civil society organizations, the government can uphold the rule of law and empower local communities to participate actively in their own development.
“KONGONET remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance the cause of good governance and sustainable development in Kogi State. We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively in fulfilling its obligations to the people of Kogi State.