Dogara laments absence of financial autonomy at state assemblies, councils

Okays devolution of powers • African lawyers hail Speaker’s leadership traits

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, yesterday lamented the absence of financial autonomy in some state assemblies and local councils of the country.

Dogara, who spoke when he received chairman and members of conference of state legislators in his office in Abuja, also expressed support for the devolution of powers whereby other tiers of government would play active roles in the socio-economic and political development of the country.

Dogara said that it was worrisome that the hijacking of funds meant for local councils by states is stifling the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

In another development, the African Bar Association (ABA) has commended Dogara for his nationalistic approach to governance, saying he has displayed traits of a true leader.

The group, according to a press statement by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, made the commendation when it paid a courtesy call to the Speaker in his office yesterday.

“I want to commend you and your team for what you are doing for your country. It is your responsibility but it is also our duty to commend you and continue to encourage you. With the demeanour of the Speaker, and your politics, we must play our politics nationally and cohesively. It must cover all Nigerians and I encourage you to continue to work this way,” president of the association, Hannibal Uwaifo, said.

According to Dogara: “Democracy must be able to deliver value to the people and as long as it does not deliver, we can’t say we are practising democracy but mere nominal one or just the practice of it.