Advocacy Group Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy, Congratulates President Tinubu
Advocacy Group Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy, Congratulates President Tinubu
By Matthew Eloyi
The Fatherland Front for Growth and Development Initiative, a socio-economic and political advocacy group, has extended its congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the landmark Supreme Court judgment on July 11, 2024, which upheld the financial autonomy of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
In a statement released by the advocacy group, the unanimous decision by the five Justices of the Supreme Court, led by His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Agim, was praised as a pivotal moment for Nigeria.
Describing the verdict as a significant victory for Nigeria’s democracy, the group emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision firmly reaffirms Nigeria as a federation composed of three tiers of government, as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a unanimous decision led by His Lordship, Justice Emmanuel Agim, five Justices of the Supreme Court delivered the ruling.
According to the group, the judgment aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration, which had initiated legal action against the 36 state governments.
The case, presented by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, challenged the propriety of the states’ emasculation of local governments.
The Fatherland Front for Growth and Development Initiative expressed that the positive reactions from Nigerians to this unprecedented judgment highlight the long-standing frustration with the unconstitutional actions of state governors.
The group urged state governors to respect the judgment and grant full financial autonomy to local governments.
According to the group, a major implication of the ruling is the derecognition of Caretaker Committee Administrations in the Local Government system.
The advocacy group called on the 20 states currently operating Caretaker Committees to urgently conduct elections to install democratically elected administrations.
Such a move, they argue, will bring government closer to the grassroots, allowing rural populations to experience governance firsthand, thereby improving national security, advancing development, and giving the majority of Nigerians in rural areas a sense of belonging.
The Fatherland Front for Growth and Development Initiative expressed optimism that local government autonomy would accelerate development at all levels.
They urged Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, geographical region, creed, or cultural background, to support the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Government.
This landmark judgment is seen as a step in the right direction, promising a more inclusive and efficient governance structure across Nigeria.
