Former governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has commended the Supreme Court verdict which granted financial autonomy to local government areas.
In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court mandated the Federal Government to begin immediate and direct payment of local government funds to the latter’s exclusive accounts.
The Supreme Court scolded the decades-long refusal of the state government on financial autonomy for local governments.
While reacting to the judgement, Kalu, who is the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly applauded the judiciary, describing the judgement as courageous.
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“The Supreme Court judgement on the autonomy of local governments is one that should be hailed and applauded especially for the courage and independence shown by the judiciary. The Supreme Court being a policy court did what is right and beneficial to the society. While it may look like interference in the states, we should accept that all the calls for end of insecurity, kidnappings and banditry has just begun with this autonomy granted to the local governments.
“When the local governments are in total control of their funds, there is flow of resources and activities in the local areas. For instance, when I was governor between 1999-2007, the autonomy of my local government chairmen was a major breakthrough to the success of my administration. The Local Government Chairmen built roads and gave contracts to local contractors. The Chairmen were able to take full responsibility of what happened in their local government and crime was reduced to the barest minimum.
“I will also appeal to the Federal Government to consider making a case for local government elections to be conducted by Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) instead of the State Independent Electoral Commission ( SIEC) . This will further strengthen the autonomy to the local governments and reduce the pressure on the state governments. When governance gets to the grassroots, it becomes easier to identify and hold the leaders responsible.
“I sincerely appeal to the 36 state governors to accept this judgement as a victory for democracy, victory for themselves and victory for all Nigerians.
“I also congratulate the President, H. E Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Attorney General of the Federation Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN and all the Supreme Court Justices that played a role in this landmark achievement for Nigerians. Let’s continue to keep our hopes alive.”
