Emmanuel Ochayi
Supreme Court’s Ruling: A Win for Local Government Autonomy
President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria for upholding the constitutional rights of the 774 local government councils across the country.
This decision affirms the spirit and intent of the 1999 Constitution, ensuring local governments can now exercise their statutory rights more effectively.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement released on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of effective local government administration.
He stated, “A fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.”
Local Leaders Must Deliver
President Tinubu stressed that the responsibility now falls on local council leaders to ensure they meet the needs of their constituents.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Grants Financial Autonomy To LGs, Bars Govs From Dissolving Councils
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, group, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us. By this judgment, our people – especially people with low incomes – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.”
He further added, “My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgment will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgment stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people.”
Impact on Essential Services
President Tinubu noted that the provision of essential services such as road construction, street lighting, and community security has suffered due to the emasculation of local governments.
He emphasized that this judgment is a historic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure and ensuring the development of the entire nation.
Attorney-General Commended
Prime Business Africa reports that the President also commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his diligent and patriotic efforts in this important assignment.
“The decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.”
Commitment to Governance Principles
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government.
He emphasized that this commitment is crucial for building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian.
