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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The Imo Labour Party( LP) gubernatorial candidate in 2023 polls, Senator Athan Achonu has commended the Apex court in its landmark judgment over Local Government Autonomy, saying it is a victory for the third tier of government in Nigeria and a triumph for democracy
He noted that the ruling is an empowerment of local communities, which have long been stifled by the undue control of state governments over funds meant for Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Achonu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney General of the federation for taking the patriotic step to free the local governments from the claws of the state government.
Recall that in May, the federal government filed a suit at the Supreme Court against the governors of the 36 states of Nigeria. The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, sought full autonomy for the country’s 774 local governments, a move that was met with widespread support from advocates of grassroots governance. In its judgment delivered on Thursday, a seven-member panel of justices held that state governments have continuously abused their powers by retaining and misappropriating funds intended for LGAs.
In a statement signed by Senator Athan Achonu on Thursday read, ” I as someone who has campaigned tirelessly for over two decades for full local government autonomy, I, Senator Athan Achonu, commend this ruling as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It reaffirms the fundamental principles of federalism and ensures that local governments are empowered to deliver essential services directly to the people.
May I use this opportunity to commend Mr President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation for taking this patriotic step towards dis-entangling the Local Governments from the strange clutches of the State Governors. I also commend the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment for INEC to conduct local government elections.”
However, this victory will not be complete without the scrapping of state electoral commissions. Therefore, I call on the organized labor, student groups, and youth organizations to engage and possibly pressure all the State Houses of Assembly until they ratify the amendment. This is crucial for the realization of true local government autonomy and for ensuring that local elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
The statement further read, “Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the importance of local governance and its critical role in national development. By ensuring that funds allocated to LGAs are used for their intended purposes, this ruling will enhance transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. It represents a clear mandate for state governments to respect the autonomy of local governments and adhere to the principles of good governance.
I call on all stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, to embrace this decision and work collaboratively towards its implementation. This is not just a victory for local governments but for all Nigerians who will benefit from the improved governance and development that this autonomy will bring. It is a time for celebration and renewed commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and respected. The journey towards full local government autonomy has been long and challenging, but this ruling brings us closer to realizing the vision of a truly decentralized and responsive government.” He said .
