Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reassured the people that the recent Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to local government areas will have no impact on the state’s governance.
He emphasized that the state government has always respected the financial autonomy of local government areas and does not interfere with their funds.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote in the Delta State local government elections, Governor Oborevwori affirmed the state’s commitment to the principles upheld by the Supreme Court.
He highlighted that since assuming office, he has not constituted a transition committee and firmly opposes the idea. Instead, he believes in conducting elections and promptly swearing in the winners to ensure smooth governance.
The governor explained that the Supreme Court judgement does not affect Delta State as the government has never tampered with local government funds.
He revealed that approximately N14 billion of local government money from the past three months is still intact and waiting for the newly elected chairmen to assume their positions.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the state government does not touch local government funds but rather provides additional support when necessary. Therefore, the financial autonomy granted by the Supreme Court aligns with the state’s existing practices.
He further expressed his belief in financial autonomy, citing his past advocacy for similar autonomy for the legislature and judiciary during his tenure as Speaker.
Regarding the ongoing local government elections, the governor expressed confidence in the fairness and transparency of the process. He predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would emerge victorious in the election.
The local government election is taking place across 25 local government areas, encompassing 5,863 polling units and 500 wards in Delta State.
In a groundbreaking ruling, the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds meant for local government administrations.
The court also prohibited governors from dissolving democratically elected local government councils, deeming it a violation of the 1999 Constitution.
