Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume praised President Bola Tinubu for securing financial autonomy for Local Governments. He called it Tinubu’s greatest achievement since taking office in May 2023.
“This court action by President Tinubu is his biggest achievement,” Ndume said.
He expressed hope that this move will liberate Local Governments in Nigeria. The Supreme Court’s decision means Local Government Councils will now receive their funds directly from the Federation Account.
Ndume urged Tinubu to implement the court judgment immediately, emphasizing the need for grassroots development.
“Local Government Councils need to start getting their monthly allocations without delay. The people at the grassroots will begin to feel the impacts of good governance now,” he said.
Related Stories
- LG Autonomy – Caretaker Chairmen Won’t Receive FAAC Funds, Says Ozekhome
- Supreme Court Upholds Six-Year Jail Term for Ex-Bank Manager Francis Atuche
He noted that previous attempts to amend the 1999 Constitution to grant financial autonomy to Local Governments failed due to state governors’ interference.
“President Muhammadu Buhari also tried to intervene, but governors didn’t allow him. With this Supreme Court judgment, the issue has finally been resolved,” Ndume explained.
The Supreme Court declared that it was unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds meant for Local Government Areas. Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment, stated that the 774 Local Government Councils should manage their funds independently. He dismissed the objections of the state governors, ending over two decades of financial control by the states.
“The people can now hold the Council chairmen accountable for how they spend their monthly allocations. They’ll begin to demand true accountability and judicious use of the funds they’ll be getting. I salute the courage of President Tinubu,” Ndume added.