Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has urged newly-elected local government chairmen to ensure prudent management of resources in their respective councils as the state moves toward local government financial autonomy.

The governor made this call during a courtesy visit by the chairmen at Government House, Bauchi. He encouraged them to familiarize themselves with government policies, civil service rules, and financial instructions to provide effective leadership and ensure their success.

Governor Mohammed highlighted that the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments was met with some misunderstanding but assured that it would be fully implemented after the completion of ongoing assignments by the committee of attorneys-general across the country. Regardless of autonomy, he affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting healthcare, education, infrastructure, and human capital development.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, including traditional institutions, religious organizations, and security agencies, for effective governance at the local level. On behalf of the newly-elected chairmen, Alhaji Mahmood Baba, chairman of Bauchi local government area, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and assured that they would fulfill their mandates. He also commended the governor for addressing the concerns of local communities.