LG autonomy: Supreme Court has restored hope in democracy

The Nigeria Labour Congress has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils across the country.

In a statement on Thursday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the apex court’s ruling is a restoration of hope in the country’s democracy and judiciary.

Ajaero asserted that the apex court’s verdict is “both courageous and salubrious” and recalled the “tortuous” journey to the local governments’ freedom.

He 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 commended the 9th National Assembly, the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts leading to the ruling.

He 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, however, wants the Supreme Court ruling implemented and questions the conduct of local government elections by state electoral commissions.

“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,” he said.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.

The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.

The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.

The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.