Local Government Autonomy: Abia PDP Applauds Supreme Court Ruling, Calls for Constitutional Amendments Reflecting LG’s Financial Independence | #NwokeukwuMascot
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…Abia PDP Applauds Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy | #NwokeukwuMascot
Photo: Abia PDP members on a road campaign along Ururuka Road. |
In a press statement signed by Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary, the Abia State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed profound satisfaction with the Supreme Court's judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments.
The statement, titled “Removing the Bottlenecks of Local Government Financial Autonomy,” commends the Supreme Court for resolving the long-standing issue of local government autonomy. According to the Abia PDP, this decision will strengthen the independence of local governments, freeing them from undue political influence.
The party urged the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to swiftly submit an executive bill to the National Assembly for a constitutional amendment that reflects the autonomy of local governments.
The statement reads in full: "The Abia PDP wishes to express our profound satisfaction with the recent landmark judgment by the Supreme Court affirming the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. This decision is a crucial step towards enhancing good governance at the grassroots level, ensuring that local government councils stand as the third tier of government closest to the people.
"We commend the Supreme Court for laying to rest the longstanding issue of local government autonomy, and we wholeheartedly support this significant development. To further strengthen this autonomy and free local governments from undue political influence, we urge the Presidency to swiftly submit an executive bill to the National Assembly for a constitutional amendment reflecting the autonomy of local governments.
"This proposed constitutional revision should include measures such as dissolving the current Local Government Service Commissions and establishing bodies at the local council level to manage employees and guarantee their pensions through a well-structured contributory scheme. The bill should also support the direct allocation of federal funds to local governments, bypassing the Joint Allocation Account Committee, and ensure governors do not interfere with these funds.
"Understanding the challenges associated with constitutional amendments, we call on the Presidency to instruct INEC to set a timeline for local government council elections within three to six months. During this transition period, Sole Administrators should oversee council affairs to facilitate a smooth shift towards full autonomy. It is crucial for governors to respect the Supreme Court ruling and support the council heads in utilizing allocated funds for the benefit of the people.
"We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to champion the cause of local government autonomy, recognizing its immense potential to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level. PDP: Power to the People," the statement concluded.
The Abia PDP's endorsement of the Supreme Court ruling underscores the party's commitment to strengthening local governance and enhancing service delivery to the people. By advocating for legislative action and calling for immediate steps towards implementation, the party aims to ensure that local governments operate with the independence and resources needed to serve their communities effectively.
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