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A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for accountability structures, including legislative assemblies, be strengthened to ensure that adequate oversight exists to ensure judicious use of local government funds.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court Judgement that bars the Federal Government freed local governments from the financial stranglehold of state governors and ruled that the Federal Government should send statutory monies meant for them directly to local governments.
In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.
Olawepo-Hashim has, however, urged government to ensure that such funds are not subject to abuse, but truly benefits the citizens of the Local council.
In a statement he personally signed and was released to newsmen in Abuja, on Friday, Olawepo-Hashim noted that the landmark judgment is a good opportunity for development at the local level
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“We have a real opportunity for development to resume at the local government levels wih the Supreme Court landmark judgment, but only when we put up structures to ensure that these funds do not become the personal purse of certain individuals.
“With these development, LGs should be able to pay attention to community policing, which is urgent and crucial in view of nation wide insecurity; Intra ward and neighborhood public transportation; regular grading of local roads to ensure easy movement of farm produce ; Primary and rural health services, Children early education etc etc.
“Let’s ensure the real people benefit from this judgement and that the judgement does not create new local emperors from the LGAs treasury.
“On the face of it, the Supreme court’s judgement l is a good step in the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
