The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government financial autonomy is a victory for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.
IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, who stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, called for the immediate implementation of the Apex court’s judgment on the matter.
The Supreme Court had on Thursday in a judgment granted financial autonomy to Local Governments (LGs) in the country, barring state governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of council areas.
“The judiciary has again shown that it remained the temple of justice and beacon of hope for all aggrieved people through judgment it delivered on local government autonomy,’’ he said.
He said that the judgment had restored citizens’ confidence in the judiciary as we strive to fix the nation and make it great again.
“The Federal Government’s action in instituting the suit to liberate the 774 Local Governments from the clutches of State Governors is the best decision it has taken so far.
“It is a giant step forward in revamping the economy and bolstering grassroots development across the country.
“It is unfortunate that governors who ought to have bolstered local government development in the country, chose to suffocate it by retaining and utilising funds meant for LGAs,’’ he said.
Dantalle said he was particularly happy that the apex court also held that no House of Assembly of any State has the power to make laws that could, in any manner, interfere with monies meant for the local governments.
“This is important as governors who are used to divert LGs funds for over two decades could seek ways to circumvent the apex court ruling by using State Houses of Assembly,” he said.
“IPAC has been in the vanguard for full autonomy of LGs as clearly provided for in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“I have also sought for the abolition of the ill-conceived appointment of Caretaker Committees, an affront to the constitution,” he said.
Dantalle called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to beam its searchlight to ensure funds released to LGs were prudently used for the good of the people.
“With this historic judgment, Nigerians expect rapid development of local government areas, as millions in terms of job creation to curb the problem of unemployment,” he said.
He urged the local government chairmen to reciprocate the gesture of the landmark judgment by ensuring judicious use of the resources allocated to their various areas.
Dantale reiterated IPAC’s call for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), saying they have proven to be incompetent and incapable of conducting free, fair and credible elections.
He said that SIECs are not only mere appendages of various government houses, but lack the capacity and requirements to conduct credible polls.
“To restore confidence in the electoral process, INEC should be empowered and mandated to conduct all Local Governments elections in Nigeria,’’ he said.(NAN)
By Emmanuel Oloniruha
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