The 774 local municipalities in the country have been granted financial autonomy by the Supreme Court’s decision, but both the federal and state governments have been warned not to use this ruling by the African Network for Anti-Corruption (ANA). The ANA issued a further warning: do not tolerate the continued illegal operations of caretaker chairman in 20 states.
The anti-corruption NGO’s convener, Muhammad Musbahu Basirika, spoke to media on Friday at the Kano Press Center. He listed the states with caretaker arrangements as Jigawa, Rivers, Anambra, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Imo, Bauchi, Plateau, Enugu, Katsina, Yobe, Kwara, Abia, Cross River, Benue, Ondo, Osun, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, and warned them that they risk losing their forthcoming monthly allocations.
Additionally, Basirika issued a warning to state governors about the potential subversion of the judgment’s spirit if they appointed loyalists to local government council chairs. “We will closely monitor to ensure this autonomy is not compromised,” the speaker said.
The ANA expressed delight with the Supreme Court’s ruling and urged the federal government to file a lawsuit to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) control over local government election administration.
In order to guarantee the legitimacy, equity, and openness of electoral processes, Basirika emphasized the necessity of constitutional revisions. Concerning the long-standing over-reliance of local governments on state administrations, which has resulted in corruption, incompetence, and poor management, Basirika voiced her concerns.
He applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to provide local governments financial autonomy, calling it a great win for Nigeria and a serious setback to bad governance and related vices.
“This judgement empowers local government councils to control their finances, make independent decisions, and effectively serve the people,” Basirika noted.
“With this autonomy, local governments can improve healthcare, education, infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
“We truly commend the Supreme Court for this judgement, which is courageous and historic, we also salute the media, chaos and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring autonomy.”
