The Labour Party has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils in Nigeria. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, stated that the decision was long overdue but a significant step towards empowering local governments to serve the people better.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision declared that it is illegal for governors to receive or retain funds allocated to local governments, affirming the fiscal autonomy of the 774 local governments as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution. The court also emphasized that state governments have no power to appoint caretaker committees, and only democratically elected local government councils are recognizable.
The Labour Party views this autonomy as a significant responsibility for local government councils to initiate and complete projects that benefit the grassroots. The party urges councillors to hold local government chairmen accountable for prudent management of resources and ensure judicious use of public funds. The party also cautions council chairmen against reckless spending and embarking on white elephant projects, emphasizing the need to utilize funds wisely to benefit the people.