S’Court judgement on LG financial autonomy incomplete – CSO

…calls for further review

By Tunde Opalana

A civil society organisation, United Nigerians Against Crimes has pointed out a lacuna in the recent Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country.

Coming out of a three day meeting during which it critically analysed the apex court’s verdict, the body concluded that the judgement is incomplete and requires further examination.

In a statement by its Director General, Dr. Abdullahi Bayawo which was made available to the Daily Times yesterday, the United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC) emphasized that granting local government chairmen financial autonomy without political autonomy is unrealistic.

“The governors’ authority over the appointment of State Electoral Commissioners, who conduct local government area elections, undermines the effectiveness of financial autonomy.

“UNAC urges the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to seek an urgent interpretation of the judgement at the Supreme Court to ensure that the judgement is comprehensive and practical.

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“The organization also calls on the National Assembly to make laws that will empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections for the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

“We will not tolerate any governor who attempts to undermine this judgement,” warned Dr. Bayawo. “Members of UNAC will take decisive action against any governor who fails to respect the people’s right to local government autonomy.”

“The organization reassures peace-loving Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding, as they will be monitoring all actions taken by governors in their respective states,” the statement read.

In conclusion, UNAC advises all peace-loving Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding, while urging those in authority to take immediate action to rectify the anomaly.

“We believe that true democracy can only be achieved when power is devolved and accountability is ensured,” added Dr. Bayawo.