Abia State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, has expressed concern over what he described as the Abia State Government’s failure to fully respect the rule of law and constitutional order following the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils.
Chief Mascot made his position known while reacting to recent remarks by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who urged state governments across the country to comply strictly with the apex court ruling on direct allocation of funds to local governments.
The President had stressed that the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria must be obeyed by all tiers of government in the interest of constitutional governance and grassroots development.
In his reaction, Chief Mascot said the President’s directive should serve as a timely reminder to Abia State to move beyond explanations and legal interpretations that delay implementation and instead take clear, practical steps toward full compliance.
According to him, the administration of Alex Otti has not demonstrated visible adherence to the ruling, noting that respect for the rule of law goes beyond policy statements and public assurances.
“Local government autonomy is a constitutional matter and not subject to discretionary implementation. Obedience to court rulings must be reflected in action, not selective compliance,” Chief Mascot stated.
He argued that continued delays or alternative frameworks undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken governance at the grassroots, where development is most urgently needed.
Chief Mascot called on the Abia State Government to urgently review its position and ensure full implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, stressing that compliance would strengthen democracy, restore confidence among local government stakeholders, and deepen constitutional governance in the state.
He further emphasized that obedience to judicial pronouncements remains a fundamental pillar of democracy, urging all levels of government to lead by example as Nigeria continues to consolidate its federal system and democratic culture.
