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Atiku hails Supreme Court ruling on LG autonomy
By Emmanuel Saviour Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has applauded the Supreme Court ruling on local government (LG) autonomy, calling it a significant step towards achieving national development. In a statement via his verified X handle on Thursday evening, Atiku said the judgment of the Supreme Court that affirmed the fiscal autonomy of local…
By Emmanuel Saviour
Former Nigeria’s Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has applauded the Supreme Court ruling on local government (LG) autonomy, calling it a significant step towards achieving national development.
In a statement via his verified X handle on Thursday evening, Atiku said the judgment of the Supreme Court that affirmed the fiscal autonomy of local government councils in the country “is a win for the people of Nigeria.”
The Supreme Court directed the Federal Government to immediately begin direct disbursement of monthly allocations into exclusive accounts of local governments across the country. This decision affirms that, in line with the provisions of the constitution, local governments are the third tier of government and possess autonomy. The court also barred state governors from dissolving democratically elected chairmen of local governments, holding that only elected officials should receive LG funds from the federation account.
Commending the Supreme Court ruling, Atiku stated, “The court’s ruling is a step in the right direction and a major corrective action in greasing the wheels of national development across the country.” He noted that the decision by the Federal Government to consolidate disbursements of local councils’ revenues into the state government accounts was “a decision that was borne out of politics of hasty compromise.”
Atiku added, “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 centers of development.” The fiscal autonomy of local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts but should also apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities, he argued.
Atiku observed that many states, especially those in areas with high 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.” He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s verdict aligns with its core function as an arbitration court between and among governments.
Atiku’s endorsement of the Supreme Court ruling highlights the importance of local government autonomy in Nigeria’s governance structure. The affirmation of local government autonomy is expected to foster grassroots development and enhance the efficiency of local governance, thereby contributing to national growth. The focus on local government autonomy by Atiku resonates with his advocacy for decentralization and strengthening of local institutions to drive development across Nigeria.
This Supreme Court ruling marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political and administrative history. It reinforces the constitutional provisions for local government autonomy and ensures that local councils can operate independently, free from undue interference by state governments. The directive for direct disbursement of funds to local governments is seen as a major step towards transparency and accountability in the management of public funds at the local level.
Atiku’s support for this ruling underscores his commitment to upholding constitutional rights and promoting policies that drive national development. His statement reflects a broader vision of empowering local governments to play a more active role in the nation’s development agenda. The ruling and Atiku’s endorsement of it signal a move towards a more decentralized and efficient governance system in Nigeria, where local governments are empowered to fulfill their roles as the closest tier of government to the people.
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