The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has warmly welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark decision granting financial autonomy to local government areas. This ruling, according to ALGON National President Maifata Aminu Mu’azu, is a significant step forward for governance at the grassroots level. Addressing newsmen on Friday, Mu’azu emphasized the positive impact of the verdict, noting that certain states had already been enjoying this type of autonomy prior to the ruling.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment delivered on Thursday, mandated the Federal Government to transfer funds directly to the accounts of local councils, bypassing state governments. The court described the previous practice of state governors controlling local government funds as unconstitutional, a stance that has been widely celebrated by local government advocates.
“This is a welcome development, particularly for the people at the grassroots,” Mu’azu remarked. He stressed that local governments must be allowed to operate independently to truly serve their communities. “We cannot frame this as a situation with winners and losers. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision speaks for itself, and as law-abiding citizens, we must respect and adhere to it, allowing local councils to function autonomously.”
The ALGON president’s sentiments were echoed by other prominent voices. Kola Onadipe, the National Coordinator of the Joint Initiative Forum, praised the Supreme Court’s ruling, describing it as a “new dawn” for Nigeria. Speaking on a current affairs show, Onadipe highlighted the broad public support for the decision. “Apart from the governors, who may not be pleased, everyone else in Nigeria is happy with this outcome. We have been advocating for this change for the past 12 years, and it is gratifying to see it come to fruition,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu, alongside governors, political leaders, and ordinary Nigerians, also lauded the Supreme Court’s decision. This development marks the conclusion of a prolonged struggle for local government autonomy, a fight that has spanned several decades. President Tinubu’s commendation underscores the significance of the ruling for the nation’s democratic and administrative structure.
The ruling has been hailed as a transformative moment for local governance in Nigeria. With financial autonomy, local governments are now better positioned to address the needs of their constituents more effectively. This newfound independence is expected to enhance service delivery, promote transparency, and encourage more responsive and accountable local administration.
Maifata Aminu Mu’azu pointed out that this development is particularly beneficial for those living in rural areas, who rely heavily on local governments for basic services. By ensuring that funds are directly available to local councils, the ruling removes a major bottleneck that has historically hindered local development projects. “The ability of local governments to ‘breathe,’ as Mu’azu put it, is crucial for the overall progress and sustainability of communities across the country.
Kola Onadipe’s comments further underline the broad-based support for the Supreme Court’s decision. He described it as a monumental shift that aligns with the aspirations of many Nigerians who have long advocated for stronger local governance. “This ruling is a testament to the tireless efforts of numerous advocates who have fought for local government autonomy. It is indeed a new dawn for Nigeria,” Onadipe said.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments has been met with widespread approval and is seen as a significant victory for grassroots governance in Nigeria. As the country moves forward, this decision is expected to usher in a new era of improved local administration and enhanced service delivery, ultimately benefiting millions of Nigerians across the country.
