Kunle Adelabu
A former aspirant for the Lagos State House of Assembly and public analyst, Mr Rasaq Aderibigbe, has welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court over the autonomy of the local government.
In his reaction to the judgement that declared that witholding funds meant for the council areas by state governors is illegal, and also affirmed the independence of the council to administer itself, Aderibigbe said that the decision marks a significant step towards making the councils not subservient to the states.
He emphasized that with the independence, people at the grassroots will, henceforth, hold the local government functionaries accountable.
“I welcome the recent ruling by the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to Local Governments, as a landmark achievement in the quest to bring governance closer to the people of Nigeria.
“This decision marks a significant step towards ensuring that local governments can operate independently, free from undue control by state governments, thereby, enhancing their capacity to deliver essential public goods and services.
“It is a commendable development by the Federal Government.
“For too long, local governments have struggled under the financial constraints imposed by the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) system, which has allowed state governments to siphon off funds meant for local development.
” The Supreme Court’s declaration that it is unconstitutional for governors to hold local government funds reinforces the importance of fiscal independence at the grassroots level”, he said.
While stating that based on the development, there would be effecient management of resources at the council level, the former Assembly aspirant was also of the view that, the autonomy will put searchlight on the council functionaries which will make them accountable.
“This ruling empowers Nigerians to hold their local governments accountable for transparency and good governance”.
He called for proper financial and an open system in the local government administration, if good governance is to be attained.
“With financial autonomy, local government councils will now be in a better position to manage their resources efficiently, prioritize community needs, and execute development projects without unnecessary delays or interference.
“However, to fully realize the benefits of this landmark decision, the local governments must establish robust financial management systems, while encouraging open government data principles for effectiveness, accountability and transparency”, he said.
In addition, Aderibigbe charged the lawmakers on the need to support with good legislative framework that would support the councils’ autonomy.
“The other tiers of the legislative are also meant to support the LGAs by enacting and reviewing laws that reinforce this autonomy and independence. Their purported fathers, “State Governors”, should take this in good faith just like children grows into adulthood to manage their affairs in this case, to promote local economic development and improve quality of life at the grassroots level”.
