By Bimbola Oyesola
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has charged the Federal Government to remove impediments delaying the implementation of local government autonomy, after the court has ruled in favour of the councils.
President of NULGE, Aliyu Haruna, and the secretary-general, Isah Gambo, in a statement, said an autonomous LG would ensure better service delivery, accountability and participatory governance.
Charging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu specifically, the Labour leaders warned that continued delay in implementing the Supreme Court Judgment may lead to mass protest by the workers
“The union has expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in implementing the Local Government Fiscal Autonomy in Nigeria despite a Supreme Court judgment delivered on 11th July, 2024 appealing for its enforcement, the statement read.
According to the union, “This undue delay undermines the principles of democracy and denies the people at the grassroots numerous inherent benefits associated with Autonomy of Local Government Administration in Nigeria.”
The union reasoned that it is expected that a democratic and people-oriented government should abide by the tenets of democracy and the respect of Rule of Law.
The union emphasized that an autonomous local government system will enable better service delivery, accountability and participatory governance, thereby delivering the pressing needs of the people at the community level.
“The union charged His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the implementation of this landmark judgement as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to justice, equity and grassroots development,” the union stated further.