NLC Hails Supreme Court Judgement On LG Autonomy

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has hailed the Supreme Court following its decision to grant financial autonomy to local government areas.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the apex court’s verdict represents a significant restoration of hope for the nation’s democratic processes.

Naija News reported earlier that in its principal ruling today, Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court directed the Federal Government to commence immediate and direct disbursements of funds to local governments, to be deposited exclusively into their accounts.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court criticized the longstanding denial by state governments of financial autonomy for local governments, over the course of several decades.

Commenting on the court’s judgement, Ajaero 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 had 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.”

Ajaero also extended its appreciation to the 9th National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu, and the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari for their contributions towards the resolution.

The NLC president added: “We also note the effort made by the Buhari Administration to prise off the strangle-hold 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.”

Ajaero, on the other hand, seeks the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and has expressed concerns regarding the behaviour of state electoral commissions during local government elections.

“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,” Ajaero said.