Abuja, Nigeria – [12/07/2024] – The United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP) heartily welcomes and endorses the recent Supreme Court ruling, marked SC/CV/343/2024, as a pivotal moment in strengthening the autonomy of Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs). This judgment, which prevents state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government councils and installing caretaker committees, reaffirms the constitutional mandate for a democratically elected local government system, and sets a precedent for true grassroots governance.
The Supreme Court’s decision to channel funds directly from the Federation Account to local governments, bypassing the controversial and often mismanaged joint accounts, represents a monumental step towards fiscal independence and operational efficiency at the local government level. For too long, local governments have been stifled by governors who seize federal allocations, releasing funds only sparingly and perpetuating a system of financial strangulation that has crippled the development and functionality of our LGAs.
The federal government’s call for an injunction to prevent governors and their agents from receiving or spending local government funds without a democratically elected local government system in place is a necessary measure to safeguard the integrity and autonomy of local governance. This ruling underscores the critical need for a governance structure that is accountable to the people, ensuring that local governments can operate effectively and independently, fulfilling their constitutional role as the third tier of government.
The UGRFP has long championed the cause of local government autonomy. Our advocacy has included numerous commentaries, advisories, and campaigns, all aimed at highlighting the urgent need for fiscal and administrative independence for local governments. Today’s Supreme Court judgment validates our position and reinforces our belief that a truly autonomous local government system is essential for the health and vibrancy of our democracy.
We commend the Supreme Court for its unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and promoting democratic governance at all levels. This ruling is a testament to the judiciary’s role as a guardian of constitutional integrity and a bulwark against the subversion of democratic principles.
Furthermore, we call upon the National Assembly to take immediate action to enshrine this landmark decision into the constitution. Legislative measures must be taken to ensure that the autonomy of local governments is protected and that the principles upheld by the Supreme Court are given finality and permanence. This will prevent any future attempts to undermine the autonomy and democratic governance of our local government areas.
The ramifications of this decision are profound and far-reaching. With fiscal autonomy, local governments can now access the resources necessary to deliver essential services, promote local development, and respond to the needs of their communities without undue interference. This empowerment will foster a more responsive and accountable governance structure at the grassroots level, driving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
We urge local governments to seize this opportunity to rise to their responsibilities. It is timely for LGAs to shun excuses, embrace accountability, and deliver on their mandate to serve the people. The return of politics to the grassroots heralds a new era of participatory democracy, where citizens can directly engage with and influence their local leaders and governance structures.
The United Global Resolve for Peace remains committed to advocating for policies and reforms that promote peace, justice, and good governance. We celebrate this landmark ruling and look forward to witnessing the positive transformations that will arise from a truly autonomous and empowered local government system in Nigeria.
Shalom Olaseni
Chairman,
United Global Resolve for Peace(UGRFP)
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