Segun Atanda/
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the Supreme Court’s historic decision affirming the financial autonomy of local government councils.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, July 11, 2024, mandates that local government councils receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation account, effectively abolishing the previous system where state governments received federal allocations on behalf of local councils.
The APC described the decision as a monumental step towards strengthening democratic federalism in Nigeria. The party emphasized that the ruling gives tangible effect to the constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government, marking the most significant restructuring effort since Nigeria’s return to civilian democratic rule in 1999.
The Supreme Court’s seven-man panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, also upheld the federal government’s position that state governors lack the legal authority to dissolve democratically-elected local government councils and replace them with caretaker committees. This practice has been widespread across the country.
“We applaud the Supreme Court for its courage in delivering a definitive ruling on this contentious national issue,” said APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Esq. “This clarity will undoubtedly spur further reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local government administration in Nigeria.”
The APC also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and dedication to deepening democracy and empowering local governments to become catalysts for development and efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.
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