Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a former local government chairman in Kano State and current Director of Finance at the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, has voiced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s executive order mandating the direct release of funds to local councils. Kwankwaso praised the move as a timely intervention that prioritizes the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and prevents state governors from diverting local government resources. He argued that financial autonomy is the most effective way to stimulate grassroots development, enabling councils to independently fund essential projects like healthcare, education, and security. Reflecting on his own tenure as chairman of Madobi Local Government two decades ago, he noted that even with significantly smaller budgets, councils were able to achieve more than they do today because they had direct control over their finances. He expressed disappointment that current councils receive much larger sums yet see fewer results due to state government interference. Kwankwaso concluded by reminding governors that granting financial autonomy to local governments is a legal obligation backed by a Supreme Court ruling, and adhering to the directive is essential for maintaining accountability and the rule of law.
About The Author
