Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio has advised the 36 state governors to respect the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to all 774 local government councils in Nigeria. Speaking to reporters on Thursday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Akpabio emphasized the importance of adhering to the court’s decision.
He stated, “Recall that the request was placed before the courts by the AGF because the Federal Government through President Bola Tinubu feels strongly about separation of powers and the need for autonomy of all arms of governments. For us in the legislature, the Supreme Court has spoken, and we have no option but to abide by the ruling. I call on all states of the federation to respect what the Supreme Court has done.”
Akpabio highlighted the significance of the judgment for grassroots governance, noting that local governments can now undertake projects independently. He also stressed the need for impartial elections at the local government level to ensure broad participation and confidence in the system.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas described the judgment as an impossibility that has become a reality. Abbas said, “This is an issue that has been before the parliament for the past twenty years. Today, that impossibility became a reality, and we are looking forward to local governments that will work independently and extend goodwill to their people undisturbed by the excesses of state governors.”
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a “local government emancipation judgment.” Fagbemi said, “The judgment has emancipated the local government from the shackles of the past, and I hope local government officials will see it as an opportunity to develop their various areas.”
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State also welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment, describing it as a significant decision that aligns with his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Soludo emphasized the need for resources to reach the grassroots and promote accountability and transparency in public resource management.
Soludo acknowledged that Anambra State has not held local government elections for a while but reassured that his administration is committed to conducting elections, having passed the Independent Electoral Commission law and established the necessary institutions. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to ensure resources reach local governments, including paying teachers, pensioners, and primary health workers.
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a historic moment for local government administration in Nigeria, reinforcing the principles of financial autonomy and effective governance at the grassroots level.
