The All Progressive Congress (APC) Unity and Reconciliation Forum in Zamfara State has expressed its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the recent Supreme Court verdict on the financial autonomy of local governments. The forum praised the apex court’s decision, calling it a “good omen” and asserting that the president deserves commendation.
In an interview, the Zamfara State chairman of the APC Unity and Reconciliation Forum, Alhaji Mande Umar, stated that the judgement on local government autonomy is a significant victory for democracy.
He emphasised that the ruling adds value to local governments and should be applauded.
According to Umar, the verdict will promote greater accountability in the state, as state governors will no longer have the authority to dissolve democratically elected local government chairmen and their councillors.
“Local government councils and their constituents will be more comfortable with Nigerian democracy, governed for the people by the people. Local government workers will no longer be redundant,” he added.
“The recent Supreme Court verdict will ensure that more democracy dividends reach the grassroots,” Mande Umar stated.
“Caretaker committees will no longer be imposed on local governments. Instead, elected officials will administer and make more developmental decisions for their communities without interference from state governors.”
Umar emphasised that the management of local government funds by democratically elected officials would bring people closer to the government, allowing for a prompt response to their needs and aspirations.
“Bypassing state governments is a welcome development,” he added.
“I believe that due process should be followed. In local governments, federal allocations should only be given to elected chairmen, not caretaker committees.”
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