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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The forum of the former Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), chairmen, Abia chapter has lauded the Appeal Court judgement that upheld the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria and monitoring of the management of local government funds by state governments.
Speaking on behalf of the chairmen shortly after the ruling, the former Abia State ALGON Chairman, Hon Ibe Michael Nwoke, described the ruling as a ray of hope for local government administration and grassroots development without undue interference by state governors.
He noted that the forum which remained stakeholders in the affairs of local governments’ operations across Nigeria was elated that democracy and its dividends would be felt by the governors.
“The judgement raises hope for local government administration in Nigeria and ensures that funds for local governments would not be tampered with.
“We are really excited at the Court’s judgement and we hope that state governors would do the needful by obeying the court’s order and also conduct local government elections in their various states.
Nwoke thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring that the right thing was done and believes with him at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, local government administration in Nigeria would experience a serious boost.
Recall that the 36 states and the Nigeria Governors Forum had challenged the legality of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, guidelines which came into effect on June 1, 2019, that require state governments to use specific accounts for receiving and transferring funds to local governments.
