Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his approval of the Supreme Court’s decision supporting financial independence for local government councils throughout Nigeria.
Naija News reported earlier that the apex court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds designated for local government administrations.
The landmark judgement, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, emphasized that this practice contravenes the financial autonomy rights of local governments and has persisted for over two decades.
In the judgment delivered by the seven-man panel, Justice Agim ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country are to independently manage their funds.
The apex court emphasized the division of government power into federal, state, and local levels. Additionally, the court stated that a state government does not have the authority to appoint a caretaker committee and that a democratically elected government is the only legitimate form of local government council.
Reacting to the court’s judgement via his official X handle, Atiku hailed the verdict as a victory for the Nigerian populace.
The former Vice President faulted the former system where funds supposed for local councils are merged with those of state governments.
Atiku argued that the former system was a result of rushed political agreements.
He wrote: “I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.
“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities.”
Atiku emphasized the issues surrounding state governments, especially in urban areas, intervening in the revenue generation of local councils.
He wrote, “Many of our states, especially those in the ultra-urban areas with high-density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many more.
“The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments.”
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