By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle has described recent Supreme court judgement on Local Government Autonomy as a significant milestone in promoting grassroot development, good governance, and democratic decentralization in Nigeria.
In a press release to welcome the judgement, the Minister expressed his support for the Supreme Court’s decision to grant autonomy to local governments in the country.
The press release signed by the Director, Information and Public, Ministry of Defence Barr Henshaw Ogubike said Matawalle applauded the seven-justice panel of the apex court in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, that ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country should independently manage their own funds.
He said “the verdict will enable Local Governments to make decisions and take actions without needing approval from State Governments adding that local governments can now manage their finances, collect revenues, and allocate resources without state government interference.
“This will boost their independence and direct accountability to the electorates. They can now focus on delivering services and development projects that will lead to better governance and accountability,” he said.
“Furthermore, the Minister said that henceforth, grassroot development would be enhanced by this decision. Local governments can now prioritize projects and programs that benefit their communities thereby promoting grassroots development.”
“Equally the local Government should be able to solve some security challenges in their locality” .
“It will also reduce political interference and urbanization,State governments can no longer influence local government decisions and this will promote local autonomy,” he emphasized.
“The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for providing the enabling environment for the historic judgement that will empower local government leaders to take charge of their territories, making them more responsible and accountable.
“This will also Improve service delivery. The local governments can now focus on delivering essential services like healthcare, education, Sanitation and infrastructural development to the people without interference from State Government,” the Minister stated.
