AMG Commends President Tinubu on Local Government Autonomy

Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his role in securing financial autonomy for Local Governments across Nigeria.

In a landmark ruling delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that Local Governments should independently manage their funds, free from state government control. The judgment mandates that the Federal Government allocate funds directly to the 774 local government councils, reinforcing the democratic structure  at the grassroot level and eliminating the undue influence of State Governors.

Following the ruling, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN  emphasized that the judgment takes immediate effect, describing it as an “emancipation” for Local Governments from the shackles of the past.” He noted that the responsibility now lies with State Governors to  comply.He warns that there are stipulated consequences for non-compliance.

AMG, in a statement issued by its Director General, Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla through its Publicity Secretary, Comr. Ayodeji Ologun, expressed its appreciation for the decisive actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This ruling is a significant victory for democracy and local governance. We commend President Tinubu and Attorney General Fagbemi for their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and ensuring that Local Governments can operate independently and effectively.” the statement reads.

AMG further urged  the people  to  be mindful of the character, exposure  and capacity  of such a person  that will  be at the helms of affairs  in their respective Local Government cos the development of their local governments is in their hands either to foster development and improve governance in their respective areas or otherwise. “With financial autonomy, Local Governments can now address the unique needs of their communities without undue interference,” AMG added.

The group described the judgement as an emancipation for the people and hope that most of the Governors who have practically turned themselves into some sort of Emperors will not continue to err on the part of the law by unlawful constitution  of Caretaker Committees there by depriving  the constitutionally recognised  Local Givernment from the Federal Allocations due to them as this  will amount  to undue ripping off of the local government system.

The group further noted that the Supreme court’s ruling addressed several key issues, including the dissolution of democratically elected local governments by governors as illegal, and barring the federal government from continuing the practice of paying local government allocations through state governments due to misuse.

“The decision aligns with the resolutions of the 2014 National Conference and the 2017 APC Committee on True Federalism, chaired by El-Rufai. It underscores the support from past and present leaders for local government autonomy, highlighting a move towards greater federalism in Nigeria,” the statement added.

AMG also call on the National  Assembly  to enact laws empowering  Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct  Local government elections  in the 774 LGs across Nigeria.