Deputy Spokesman of the House and member representing Ado, Ogbadibo, and Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese has applauded the Supreme Court’s recent verdict on local government autonomy, describing it as a monumental victory for democracy and the Nigerian populace.
Dr Agbese expressed his admiration for the Supreme Court’s Thursday ruling, which declared that local government councils should independently receive and manage their allocations. This decision was the outcome of a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government, advocating for full autonomy for local government councils.
The Supreme Court, in its judgement, emphasized that state governments do not possess the authority to dissolve democratically elected local government councils and replace them with caretaker committees. The court asserted that only democratically-elected local government councils have constitutional and legal recognition.
Dr. Agbese highlighted that this landmark ruling is not only a victory for democracy but also a significant win for the Nigerian people. He reiterated that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, asserting that this ruling will spur rapid development at the grassroots level, where the majority of Nigerians reside and conduct their businesses. He called on state governors to respect and adhere to this ruling, enabling local governments to operate optimally for the collective benefit of all Nigerians.
As a long-time advocate for local government autonomy, Dr. Agbese has been at the forefront of the campaign for the complete liberation of local governments from the dominance of state governments. He firmly believes that such autonomy will expedite infrastructural development at the local level, ensuring that resources are utilized more efficiently and directly for the benefit of the local populace.
Dr. Agbese commended the Supreme Court judges for their wisdom and courage in delivering this judgment. He praised their role in safeguarding and fortifying Nigerian democracy through this significant ruling. According to Dr Agbese, the Supreme Court has not only upheld the rule of law but has also ensured that the principles of democracy are preserved and strengthened within the country.
He stated, “This ruling by the Supreme Court is a monumental stride towards true democracy and federalism in Nigeria. It reaffirms the independence of local government councils and their crucial role in national development. The judiciary has once again proven to be the guardian of our constitution and the rights of the common man. I urge all state governors to comply with this ruling in the spirit of democracy and good governance. Let us work together to empower our local governments to bring about the much-needed development at the grassroots level.”
Dr. Agbese also took the opportunity to thank all those who have supported the struggle for local government autonomy over the years. He recognized the efforts of various stakeholders, including fellow lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the general public, who have continuously advocated for this cause. He expressed hope that this ruling would mark the beginning of a new era of effective local governance and accelerated development across the nation.
Hon. Lawrence Oduh,
Special Adviser on Media, Office of the House of Representatives.
11/07/2024.
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