THE Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his role in securing financial autonomy for local governments across the country.
In a landmark ruling delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that local governments should independently manage their funds, free from state government control.
The judgment mandates that the Federal Government allocate funds directly to the 774 local government councils, reinforcing the democratic structure at the grassroot level and eliminating the undue influence of state governors.
Following the ruling, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasised that the judgment takes immediate effect, describing it as an “emancipation” for local governments from the shackles of the past.”
He country’s chief law officer noted that the responsibility now lies with state governors to comply, just as he warned that there are stipulated consequences for non-compliance.
AMG, in a statement issued by its Director General, Comrade Olumuyiwa Asagunla, through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ayodeji Ologun, expressed its appreciation for the decisive actions taken by President Tinubu.
“This ruling is a significant victory for democracy and local governance. We commend President Tinubu and Attorney General Fagbemi for their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and ensuring that local governments can operate independently and effectively.” the statement reads.
AMG further urged the people to be mindful of the character, exposure and capacity of such a person that will be at the helms of affairs in their respective local government as the development of their local governments is in their hands.
It added that: “With financial autonomy, local governments can now address the unique needs of their communities without undue interference.”
The group described the judgement as an emancipation for the people and hope that most of the governors who have practically turned themselves into some sort of emperors will not continue to err on the part of the law by unlawful constitution of Caretaker Committees there by depriving the constitutionally recognised local government from the Federal Allocations due to them as this will amount to undue ripping off of the local government system.
