NLC Hails Supreme Courts Judgment Affirming Fiscal Autonomy For Local Governme

 

                    By Vivian Saleh kindly share story....

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the Supreme Court’s judgement affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils as a restoration of hope in the country’s democracy, 

This was according to a statement issued on Thursday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

He said, “It’s an epochal pronouncement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, directing that financial allocations be made directly to Local Governments as well as divesting state governments of the power to remove local government executives is both courageous and salubrious.

“The Supreme Court, through this landmark judgment, has not only restored our democracy but possibly hope in democracy.

"For years we have watched with dismay and discontent the remorseless and mindless erosion of the powers of the local governments and had embarked on a series of national protests as workers.”

Further commending the 9th National Assembly, the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts leading to the ruling.

 He added, “We also note the effort made by the Buhari Administration to prise off the stranglehold of governors on local governments. We must also mention the commendable role on this matter by the 9th Assembly.

 “This statement will not be complete without paying tribute to the Tinubu government for its presence of mind to institute this action at the Supreme Court. We specifically commend the President and the Attorney General of the Federation.”

He however,  stated he wants the Supreme Court ruling implemented and questions the conduct of local government elections by state electoral commissions.

 “Should SIECS be allowed to conduct ‘elections’ or should NEC take over (even as they are over-burdened and are not exactly the best example)? Should there be a regulatory agency or commission with oversight over SIECs? We will find the devil in the details through a stakeholder conversation,” he said.

Media had earlier reported how the apex court declared that it was unconstitutional for all state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations. 

 The court also barred the governors from dissolving councils executives in their respect states. 

The seven-man panel, in the judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

 The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.