Strengthen local accountability to make LG financial autonomy meaningful – Olawepo-Hashim

A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has hailed the Supreme Court judgement that bars the Federal Government from sending local government funds to states, but directly to the LGAs.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for State governors to hold onto funds meant for LG administrations.

However, Mr Olawepo-Hashim counselled that accountability structures including the local Governments Legislative Assemblies, should be strengthened to ensure that adequate oversight exists to ensure that local government funds that would now go directly to the LGAs are not subject to abuse, but truly benefits the citizens of the Local council.

“We have a real opportunity for development to resume at the local government levels with the Supreme Court landmark Judgement, but only when we put up structures to ensure that these funds do not become the personal purse of certain individuals.” Olawepo-Hashim said.

“With this development, LGAs should be able to pay attention to community policing, which is urgent and crucial in view of nationwide insecurity; intra ward and neighbourhood public transportation; regular grading of local roads to ensure easy movement of farm produce, primary and rural health services, children early education, and so on. Let’s ensure the real people benefit from this judgement and that the judgement does not create new local emperors from the LGAs treasury,” he said.