The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared its full support for President Bola Tinubu’s directive mandating the direct disbursement of funds to local government councils.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, made this known on Friday, stating that Governor Umo Eno has consistently championed financial autonomy for local governments in the state.
Umanah said that even before the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed direct allocation to local councils, Governor Eno had never interfered with funds meant for local governments.
He described the governor as a firm believer in grassroots development, noting that this stance has contributed significantly to the growth and effectiveness of local governments across the state.
“Governor Umo Eno is a lover of grassroots development, and that is why he fully supports the President’s directive for funds to be sent directly to local governments,” Umanah said.
“Local governments in the state are executing projects, awarding contracts and carrying out empowerment programmes at the grassroots because the state government does not tamper with their funds.
“To the governor, President Tinubu’s renewed directive is not just an instruction, but a moral duty for all governors across the country to allow the third tier of government to be financially independent.
“Visit any of the 31 local government areas of the state and you will confirm that this administration aligns with the President’s mandate to uplift local communities,” he added.
