Some concerned residents of Kogi have described the Supreme Court’s verdict on local governments’ financial autonomy as a relief and stimulus to growth and development.
The residents expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja.
According to most of them, the verdict will open doors for people’s participation in governance and development in the grassroots.
Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo, Vice- Chancellor, Salem University Lokoja, said that the judgment would address the allegations of injustice against the state governors, especially on financial obligations.
“With this verdict of the supreme court, hopes have been raised and the desired development at the grassroots shall be seen as expected.
“I congratulate the Federal Government, particularly the Attorney-General of the Federation, for the bold step,” he said
Amb. Idris Muraina , Chairman, Kogi Non-governmental Organisation Network (KONGONet) in his remarks also, described the supreme court verdict as a relief to the nation.
“The verdict is indeed a relief to the society and for us who, for a long time, have been yearning for a true democracy where the local governments are also recognised and get their financial freedom.
“I still await the certified copy of the judgement to learn from what the justices did.
“The judgment is a relief to the society, a relief to our democratic tenet and a relief to community development” , Muraina said.
The Executive Director, Conscience for human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Mr Miliki Idris, also commended the decision of the supreme court.
Idris described the judgment as a good development.
“I believe those who understand the importance of the judgment and its implementation for development and democracy at local government level can appreciate this” he said.
“The salary of local government workers will no more suffer delays in payment,” he observed.
The Chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mopamuro Local Government Area, Mr Gbenga Joseph, said that the autonomy would go a long way in solving myriads of problems in the grassroots.
“It is indeed the right step in the right direction.
“We commend the Federal Government for taking the action, because granting local governments autonomy will enable the citizens to enjoy more effective, responsive and inclusive governance that addresses their unique needs and priorities.
“The positive effects of the autonomy cannot be overemphasised as it
will enable local governments to implement poverty reduction initiatives.
“It will enhance democratic principles by giving citizens a greater voice in local governance, ” he said.(NAN)
By Thompson Yamput and Stephen Adeleye
