The Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria has sparked diverse reactions from Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The court declared that state governors cannot hold funds allocated for local government administrations and that a state government lacks the power to appoint caretaker committees.
Afenifere views the judgment as a judicial conspiracy against the Nigerian state and its federalism principles. They argue that the Supreme Court’s decision undermines the constitutional roles of states and local governments, subjecting them to federal government manipulation.
In contrast, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide welcomes the judgment, believing it will enhance grassroots development. However, they emphasize the need for independent electoral commissions to conduct local government elections, free from state government control.
The differing opinions highlight the ongoing debate on the role of local governments in Nigeria’s federal structure and the quest for true federalism.