Some legal practitioners in Jos have urged states to comply with the Supreme Court verdict, which granted financial autonomy to local government areas (LGAs).

Some lawyers who spoke with journalists on Saturday said compliance would enhance grassroots development and foster local governance.

Asmau Kwambe described the verdict as a reinforcement of the Nigerian constitution.

”We know that if this is enforced, it will allow LGAs to exercise the autonomy initially intended by the constitution,” Ms Kwambe said.

Ibrahim Gokwat, a police prosecutor, said that full compliance with the verdict would help balance the power between the states and LGAs.

According to Mr Gokwat, the autonomy, which ensures direct funding of the LGAs, will encourage accountability and stabilise grassroots governance.

Also baring their minds on the subject, some Jos residents told journalists that it was not enough to grant LGAs autonomy without considering key issues such as accountability.

Joseph Pam said a monitoring system should be implemented to curb the executives’ abuse of power and financial recklessness.

According to Mr Pam, that is the only way the goal of the LGA autonomy can be achieved.

Also, Doris Uche said granting LGA autonomy meant elected officials should be held accountable if the councils remained underdeveloped.

Ms Uche also said those at the grassroots must be educated on their responsibilities as citizens and what they should expect of their leaders.

(NAN)