The recent landmark ruling by the Supreme Court has paved the way for a significant financial transformation for local government councils across Nigeria, and Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, is lauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for spearheading this legal battle.
In its judgment, the apex court directed that local government allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the councils, cutting out the middlemen. The court declared the long-standing practice of state governors withholding funds meant for local government areas as unconstitutional.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, highlighted that state governments have been depriving local governments of their rightful funds for over two decades. The court firmly stated that local government councils should have full control over their finances, dismissing the objections raised by the defendants.
Expressing his delight, Ndume emphasized that this achievement marks one of President Tinubu’s most significant accomplishments since assuming office in May 2023. He called on the President to swiftly implement the court’s judgment, stressing the urgent need for grassroots communities to experience the positive impact of good governance.
For years, the local government administration in Nigeria has been hindered by the undue influence of state governors, who exploited a controversial provision in the 1999 Constitution to assert control.
Ndume expressed hope that this court action, initiated by President Tinubu, would serve as a turning point in the liberation of local governments.
Calling for immediate action, Ndume urged President Tinubu to ensure that local government councils receive their monthly allocations promptly and without any further delays.
This, he believes, will empower grassroots communities to demand accountability from council chairmen and witness tangible development at the local level.
Despite previous attempts by the National Assembly and President Muhammadu Buhari to address this issue, the resistance from state governors prevented meaningful progress.
However, with the Supreme Court’s decisive judgment, the long-standing debate over deductions from local government funds has finally been resolved.
Ndume commended President Tinubu for his courage and determination in championing this cause, emphasizing that this victory signifies a step towards a more decentralized power structure and a brighter future for local governments in Nigeria.
