Young Progressives Party (YPP) has lauded the Supreme Court judgment affirming financial autonomy for Local Governments in Nigeria.
Mr Egbeola Wale-Martins, YPP National Publicity Secretary, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the development was a significant milestone in line with the quest for true federalism.
“We celebrate the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, granting financial autonomy to Local Government in Nigeria.
“This decision is a significant milestone in our quest for true federalism and democratic growth.
“We commend the Supreme Court for its courage and wisdom in delivering this judgment.
“We also hail President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for taking the bold step to liberate local governments in Nigeria,” he said.
He called on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and relevant Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to track the allocations and revenues of Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This, he said, was to ensure judicious utilisation and stem the culture of irresponsibility and corruption associated with the other two tiers of government.
The YPP official also demanded the immediate commencement of constitutional amendment for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs) by the National Assembly.
“This is one of the ways to begin the journey of redemption for an institution with a shameless reputation of being a rubber stamp, hence not representing the interests of the people who have elected them.
“This further step will guarantee complete autonomy for LGAs and free them from the stranglehold of governors,” he said.
Wale-Martins urged all Nigerians to take ownership and hold their local government leaders accountable as they neither had immunity nor are above the law.
He urged Nigerians to question project execution and funds disbursement for their own benefits and also urged them to support local projects and uphold true federalism and local government autonomy.(NAN)
By Diana Omueza
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