Imo ex-LP gov candidate lauds S’Court ruling

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, Senator Athan Achonu, has applauded the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the local governments in the country.

In a landmark judgment on Thursday, the Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for local government autonomy.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to The According, Achonu described the ruling as a victory for democracy, saying, “This ruling is a major triumph for democracy and the empowerment of local communities, which have long been stifled by the undue control of state governments over funds meant for local government areas.”

The former governorship candidate added, “As someone who has campaigned tirelessly for over two decades for full local government autonomy, I, Senator Athan Achonu, commend this ruling as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It reaffirms the fundamental principles of federalism and ensures that local governments are empowered to deliver essential services directly to the people.

“May I use this opportunity to commend Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation for taking this patriotic step towards disentangling the local governments from the strange clutches of the state governors.

“I also commend the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment for INEC to conduct local government elections.”

He maintained that “this victory would not be complete without the scrapping of state electoral commissions.”

He, therefore, called on organised labour, student groups, and youth organisations “to engage and possibly pressure all the states Houses of Assembly until they ratify the amendment.”

He added, “This is crucial for the realisation of true local government autonomy and for ensuring that local elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the importance of local governance and its critical role in national development. By ensuring that funds allocated to local councils are used for their intended purposes, this ruling will enhance transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. It represents a clear mandate for state governments to respect the autonomy of local governments and adhere to the principles of good governance.

“I call on all stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, to embrace this decision and work collaboratively towards its implementation. This is not just a victory for local governments, but for all Nigerians who will benefit from the improved governance and development that this autonomy will bring.

“It is a time for celebration and renewed commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and respected. The journey towards full local government autonomy has been long and challenging, but this ruling brings us closer to realizing the vision of a truly decentralized and responsive government.”