President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court, essentially granting Local Government Councils autonomy from the state governments, as affirming the spirit, intent and purpose of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of all the 774 local governments councils.
The President gave his reaction through a statement released by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale. The President said the onus is now on local council chairs and the people to make the best use of local resources in developing their councils.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us.
“This country belongs to all of us. By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions. What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgment will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgment stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” the president said.
The President noted that the provision of certain amenities fall on the local governments and the people can hold their leaders accountable to provide same.
The President also hailed the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, for successfully prosecuting the case.
