The National Councilors Forum of Nigeria has lauded the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments, calling it a historic milestone that will enhance the nation’s federalism and deliver democracy’s benefits to Nigerians.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Forum President Rt. Hon. Yusuf Shuaibu Baba praised the ruling, stating, “The judgment clearly affirms that Nigeria’s constitution recognizes federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, all drawing funds from the federation account as established by the constitution.”
Baba highlighted the ruling’s emphasis on the necessity of democratically elected local governments, noting, “The constitution mandates a democratically elected local government system, with no provisions for any other governance systems at the local level.”
He criticized state governments that have failed to establish democratically elected local governments, arguing, “Some state governors have deliberately subverted the 1999 Constitution by not implementing democratically elected local government systems, even in the absence of declared states of emergency.”
Baba stressed the detrimental impact of this failure, saying, “Disbursing federation account funds to states without democratically elected local governments undermines the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution.”
Celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision, Baba declared, “We, the leadership of the National Councilors Forum of Nigeria, rejoice with the Federal Government, all local governments, and the Supreme Court for this significant victory in granting local governments their constitutional rights and autonomy.”
Baba emphasized that elected local leadership is accountable for allocated resources and responsible for employing people, initiating and executing projects, and bringing development and democracy’s dividends to all Nigerians.
