Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has lauded the supreme Court’s landmark ruling affirming financial independence for Nigeria’s local government councils. He declared the decision “a win for the people of Nigeria” in a statement released on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The Supreme Court’s judgment dismantles the prior practice of funneling local council revenues into state government accounts, a move Atiku criticized as politically motivated and detrimental to local governance. He emphasized that the ruling underscores the tripartite structure of Nigeria’s government, recognizing local governments as pivotal development centers.
The ruling overturns a long-standing practice where state governments consolidated local council revenues, thus limiting the financial autonomy of the councils. Atiku noted that this practice was a result of “politics of hasty compromise” and hindered the development potential of local governments.
Expanded Autonomy and Revenue Generation
Atiku’s statement extended beyond the court’s decision, advocating for broader fiscal autonomy for local councils. He argued that their financial independence should encompass not only allocations from the Federation Accounts but also revenues generated locally. “I share the belief that fiscal autonomy for local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts but should also include internally generated revenue from the respective local government authorities,” he said.
In his detailed statement, Atiku highlighted concerns over state governments’ interference in local revenue generation, particularly in densely populated urban areas. He noted that states often impede local councils from collecting revenues from motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents, and more. “Many of our states, especially those in high-density urban areas, have become notorious for preventing local councils from generating their own revenue,” he wrote.
He praised the Supreme Court for upholding the principles of federalism and ensuring that local governments can function independently. “The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments,” Atiku added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by a seven-member panel led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria must manage their own funds. The decision reinforces that state governments cannot appoint caretaker committees for local councils, which must be governed by democratically elected officials.
Implications of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
The apex court’s decision is expected to significantly alter the administrative landscape of local governance in Nigeria. By affirming that state governments lack the authority to control local government funds, the ruling aims to enhance the operational efficiency and development capabilities of local councils.
Atiku’s support for the ruling reflects a broader call for structural reforms within Nigeria’s federal system. By advocating for both fiscal and administrative autonomy for local councils, he aligns with a vision of decentralized governance that empowers local authorities to better serve their communities.
The decision by the Supreme Court not only enforces the constitutional provisions regarding the autonomy of local governments but also sets a precedent for future governance and administrative reforms. Local councils, now empowered to manage their funds, can undertake projects and initiatives tailored to the specific needs of their communities without the overreach of state governments.
Source: Punch
