Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle has applauded the Supreme Court judgment on Local Government Autonomy, describing it as a significant milestone in promoting grassroots development, good governance, and democratic decentralisation in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement made to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike.
According to the statement, the Minister expressed support for the Supreme Court’s decision to grant autonomy to local governments in the country and applauded the seven-justice panel of the apex court in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, which ruled that the 774 local government councils in the country should independently manage their own funds.
Dr Matawalle pointed out that,
the verdict would enable the 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.
According to him, “This will boost their independence and direct accountability to the electorates. They can now focus on delivering services and development projects that will lead, im to better governance and accountability”.
The Minister added that henceforth, grassroots development would be enhanced, saying; “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, but will also reduce political interference and urbanisation, State governments can no longer influence local government decisions and this will promote local autonomy”.
The statement added that the Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the enabling environment for the historic judgment that would empower local government leaders to take charge of their territories, making them more responsible and accountable.
According to him, “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 the State Government”.
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