S’Court verdict: Local govt autonomy will create jobs — CSO

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the African Network For Anti-corruption (ANA), has expressed appreciation for the Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the federation, adding that such will create job opportunities and stimulate local economies.

This was just as the organisation promised to monitor “closely to ensure that this autonomy is not compromised”.

Making this known at a press conference, the Convener of the group, Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, said that the fallout would also reduce poverty and inequality among the local populace.

He commended the Supreme Court for the judgement which he described as historic and courageous, while acknowledging the efforts of Civil Society Organizations, the media and other stakeholders who had advocated for local government autonomy in the country.

He also disclosed that the autonomy would allow the local governments to provide better healthcare, education and infrastructure for their respective communities.

According to him, “It would also create job opportunities and stimulate local economies, respond more effectively to local needs and priorities, as well as reduce poverty and inequality.

Basirka then cautioned state Governors against appointing their loyalists as local government chairpersons to avoid sabotaging the landmark verdict.

“We recognize that this judgement is only the first step. We urge the Federal and State Governments to respect and implement this ruling in full,” he said

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• FG to issue order against illegal tree felling, establish environmental crimes tribunal — Minister

• CBN’s economic reforms yielding significant results — Cardoso

• Reps seek abrogation of compulsory retirement policy for directors