YPP lauds Supreme Court judgment on LGAs autonomy, says it’s significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for true federalism
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
Abuja, July 12, 2024 The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has lauded the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils in Nigeria, saying it’s a significant milestone in the quest of the country for a true federalism.
Mr Egbeola Martins, the National Publicity Secretary, YPP, stated this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
“We celebrate the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, granting financial autonomy to Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. This decision is a significant milestone in our quest for true federalism and democratic growth.
“We commend the Supreme Court for its courage and wisdom in delivering this judgment. We also hail President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for taking the bold step to liberate local governments in Nigeria.
“However, we recognize that this judgment is only the first step. We call on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to track the allocations and revenues of LGAs to ensure judicious utilization and stem the culture of irresponsibility and corruption associated with the other two tiers of government.
“Furthermore, we demand the immediate commencement of constitutional amendment for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs) by the National Assembly as this is one of the ways to begin the journey of redemption for an institution with a shameless reputation of being a rubber stamp, hence not representing the interests of the people who have elected them. This further step will guarantee complete autonomy for LGAs and free them from the stranglehold of governors,” he said.
He added:”We urge all Nigerians to take ownership and hold their local government leaders accountable as they neither have immunity nor above the law and can be questioned, arrested, prosecuted and jailed in the event of impunity, abuse of office or corruption.
“Conclusively, let us join hands in this struggle for true federalism and local government autonomy. Together, we can build a more democratic and prosperous Nigeria.” Ends
