President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s decision affirming the constitutional rights of local governments, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing governance at the grassroots level.
According to a statement issued by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity on Thursday, the President emphasized the importance of effective local government administration, stating that its absence has been a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement.
He stressed that this ruling now places greater responsibility on local council leaders to ensure satisfactory service delivery to citizens.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us,” President Tinubu declared.
He added, “This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions.”
Tinubu highlighted the potential impact of the ruling on transparency and accountability in local governance.
“What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses,” he stated.
The Explainer reports that the supreme court has ruled that the federal government should henceforth pay allocations directly to local government councils from the federation account.
Delivering judgment in the suit on Thursday, a seven-member panel of justices held that state governments have continued to abuse their powers by retaining and using the funds meant for LGAs.
The President noted that the judgment would address issues such as the provision of essential amenities and public goods, including road maintenance, street lighting, and community security, which have suffered due to the weakening of local governments.
Commending the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his diligence, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the principles governing citizens, institutions of government, and tiers of government.
The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s federal structure and local development initiatives.
