President Bola Tinubu has expressed his approval of the recent Supreme Court of Nigeria decision, which upholds the constitutional rights of local governments.
This landmark judgement aligns with the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reinforcing the statutory rights of local councils.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu highlighted that ineffective local government administration has long been a major impediment to the nation’s progress.
He emphasized that governance at the local level, which is crucial for socio-political development, has been largely absent.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu also noted that the provision of essential amenities and public goods has suffered due to the weakening of local governments.
He affirmed that the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold financial autonomy for local governments is historically significant and reinforces efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure for nationwide development.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.”
“This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” Tinubu added.
Furthermore, Tinubu commended the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his diligent and patriotic effort on this important assignment.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the principles of governance to build an efficient and performance-driven system that benefits every Nigerian.
