Despite the Supreme Court judgment granting fiscal autonomy to local government areas across the country, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has instructed his appointed Transition Committees to assume office and oversee the affairs of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
Aiyedatiwa directed the transition committees to commence duties immediately in the 18 LGAs and the previously nullified 33 LCDAs.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs met with the appointed transition committees on Monday, ordering them to resume at their respective offices.
A member of the transition committee, speaking to Nigerian Tribune, clarified that their appointment remains unaffected by the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
They emphasized their role in preventing administrative vacuums pending local government elections, which may occur soon under constitutional provisions.
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Last Wednesday, Aiyedatiwa appointed approximately 357 members to the transition committees, despite the Ondo State High Court’s nullification of the LCDAs. Shortly after these appointments, the Supreme Court affirmed the autonomy of the 774 local government areas nationwide.
Addressing the situation, Mr. Amidu Takuro, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, confirmed that the transition committees have been instructed to resume their duties immediately.
He noted that several states, including Ondo, are affected by the Supreme Court’s verdict, highlighting the need for compliance with electoral laws and careful consideration of the judgement’s implications.
Takuro stressed that the transition committees were operational upon appointment and require no formal inauguration.
He underscored that the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment does not necessitate immediate local government elections, citing procedural requirements and ongoing negotiations among governors at a scheduled meeting in Abuja.
He concluded by stating that while they must comply with the judgment, the federal government aims to avoid penalizing local government workers by withholding salaries or allocations, pending further deliberations and procedural adherence.
