Kunle Adelabu
The ruling of the Supreme Court on Thursday, declaring that it is unconstitutional for the state governors to withhold funds meant for the administration of the Local Government, has been welcomed by cross section of Nigerians.
Many of those that have reacted to the ruling were of the view that it would resolve the decade – long dispute over the Local Government autonomy and the right to administer itself without the state governors’ interference.
They also stated that the financial and administrative autonomy granted the 774 Local Governments in the country will bring about developments at the grassroots and make local government administration thrive.
Mr Oke Godwin OlaOluwa, the General Secretary, Ikorodu Division Economic Council, welcoming the court’s ruling, said that it will deepen democracy in the country, and charged residents in various local governments to make their administrators accountable.
“The ruling is a good development for the country. It will further enrich our democracy”, he said.
“Section 7(1) recognises the local government as the third arm of government. The ruling has asserted its independent. The national assembly should further strengthen our democratic institutions by amending the constitution to empower INEC to conduct local government elections.
“The ultimate responsibility lies on the citizens to follow their money. They should ensure local government administrators are responsible and accountable”, he added.
A Chairmanship aspirant and Publisher of the Factor newsmagazine, Comrade Japheth Odesanya, also speaking with THE IMPACT, described the ruling as triumph for the people and democracy.
“Triumph for the people. Triumph for democracy”, he said.
“It is the only way forward for grassroots development. The court must be applauded”.
Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA) who is aspiring to take over as the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), also agreed that the judgment will further entrench democracy in Nigeria, and allow developments at the grassroots.
“The certified true copy of the full judgement is not yet out for us to read. We need to see the comprehensive declarations made by our Lords for better understanding.
“Based on the highlights we have read in the news, the judgement will further advance our democracy and allow local governance to thrive. Local governments will be better resourced and enabled to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the grassroots”, he said.
