Aderibigbe Adekunle Razaq, a Lagos State House of Assembly candidate in the 2023 election representing the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has commended the Supreme Court for its recent ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, TOP MEDIA reports.
Razaq praised the decision as a landmark achievement in the ongoing effort to bring governance closer to the Nigerian people.
In his statement, Razaq said, “I welcome the recent ruling by the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to local governments as a landmark achievement in the quest to bring governance closer to the people of Nigeria. This decision marks a significant step toward ensuring that local governments can operate independently, free from undue control by state governments, thereby enhancing their capacity to deliver essential public goods and services. It is a commendable development by the Federal Government.”
Razaq said that the local governments have faced historical financial struggles due to the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) system, which has allowed state governments to divert funds intended for local development.
He said that the Supreme Court’s declaration that it is unconstitutional for governors to hold local government funds underscores the importance of fiscal independence at the grassroots level.
“This ruling empowers Nigerians to hold their local governments accountable for transparency and good governance. With financial autonomy, local government councils will now be in a better position to manage their resources efficiently, prioritize community needs, and execute development projects without unnecessary delays or interference,” Razaq stated.
He also said that local governments need to establish robust financial management systems and adhere to open government data principles to ensure effectiveness, accountability, and transparency.
Furthermore, he called on other tiers of the legislative system to support local governments by enacting and reviewing laws that reinforce their autonomy and independence.
Razaq concluded by urging state governors to embrace this change, comparing the relationship between state and local governments to that of parents and their grown children.
“State Governors should take this in good faith, just like children grow into adulthood to manage their affairs, in this case, to promote local economic development and improve quality of life at the grassroots level,” he said.
