President Bola Tinubu applauds the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy, which prevents state governors from withholding funds and dissolving elected councils. This landmark decision promotes accountability and transparency, ensuring better governance at the local level.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Supreme Court's landmark decision affirming local government autonomy, highlighting its significance for Nigerian governance. On Thursday, the apex court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local governments.
The ruling also prohibits governors from dissolving democratically elected local government councils, stating that such actions breach the 1999 Constitution. President Tinubu emphasized that this decision addresses a fundamental challenge hindering national progress.
“This judgment empowers our people, especially the poor, to hold their local leaders accountable,” said presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, quoting Tinubu. He noted that transparency in local government funding would ensure services are delivered without excuses.
“My administration initiated this suit due to our belief that our people deserve relief. Today's judgment ensures that only elected local officials will control local resources,” Tinubu added. He described the ruling as a significant step toward restructuring Nigeria and fostering a fairer society.
Tinubu praised the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his dedication to this critical case. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of the charter governing citizens and governmental institutions to create an efficient governance system for all Nigerians.
The struggle for local government autonomy has been longstanding, with 774 local government areas impacted by the overreach of state governors. Calls for autonomy have grown, and in May, the Federal Government, through AGF Fagbemi, sued the 36 state governors over alleged mismanagement of local government funds. The Federal Government's suit sought to prevent governors from arbitrarily dissolving elected councils.
This Supreme Court ruling reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s federal structure and improve governance across the nation.
