Coalition faults Supreme Court judgement on LG financial autonomy

A coalition under the auspices of the United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC), has faulted the recent ruling of the Supreme Court granting full financial autonomy to local government areas in the country.
The coalition, in a statement on Wednesday, said the judgement was incomplete as it requires further examination from legal minds.
In the statement issued by UNAC’s Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Y. Bayawo, the organisation said 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,” Bayawo said.
The group further urged 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.
READ ALSO:Ex-Delta gov, Ibori, once convicted of fraud, faults Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy
Bayawo also called 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,” Bayawo stated.
He added that the group will take decisive action against any governor who fails to abide by the judgement of the apex court.
“Members of UNAC will take decisive action against any governor who fails to respect the people’s right to local government autonomy.”
The statement however, reassured peace-loving Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding, as they would be monitoring all actions taken by governors in their respective states.
“We believe that true democracy can only be achieved when power is devolved and accountability is ensured,” Dr. Bayawo added.
The post Coalition faults Supreme Court judgement on LG financial autonomy appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.