By Amb Okereke Nnamdi Nwafor
In a historic decision, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of federal government-backed local government autonomy, declaring it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds intended for local government administrations. This judgement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, paving the way for grassroots development, security, and stability.
The apex court’s ruling nullifies all appointed Local Government Caretaker Transition Committees (CTC), deeming them illegal and unconstitutional. This decision empowers local governments to manage their finances directly, without interference from state governors. The judgement also emphasises democratic accountability, ensuring that elected officials are responsible for managing local government funds.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration deserves commendation for its commitment to ensuring local government autonomy. This judgement ends decades of financial strangulation of local governments by state governments, ushering in a new era of democratic accountability. The ruling also underscores the importance of separation of powers, emphasising that state governors cannot unilaterally appoint caretaker committees or withhold funds meant for local governments.
The Supreme Court’s judgement has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s grassroots development. With local governments now empowered to manage their finances, citizens can expect improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth. The ruling also promotes democratic participation, encouraging citizens to engage in the local government election process and hold elected officials accountable.
Key highlights of the judgement include:
– Allocations will be paid directly to Local Government Councils immediately.
– The Constitution’s joint allocation section is automatically deleted without National Assembly amendment.
– Caretaker committee appointments are illegal and unconstitutional, with no governor having the power to appoint any CTC.
– State governors have hindered democracy’s development, according to the Supreme Court.
This landmark judgement is a victory for democracy, paving the way for grassroots development and accountability. Let us embrace this triumph and work towards a more prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s judgement is a significant step forward for Nigeria’s democracy and grassroots development. It underscores the importance of democratic accountability, separation of powers, and citizen participation. As Nigeria moves forward, it is essential to build on this momentum, ensuring that local governments receive the support they need to thrive. With this judgement, Nigeria has taken a significant step towards a more decentralised, accountable, and prosperous future.
Amb.Okereke Nnamdi Nwafor is a Commentator, Social critic and Op-ed writer who writes from Abuja, Nigeria. He can be reached via nnasono2020@gmail.com.