The Representative of Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has commended the Supreme Court verdict granting financial autonomy to local government areas.
In its lead judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court mandated the Federal Government to begin immediate and direct payment of local government funds to their exclusive accounts.
The Supreme Court criticized the state governments’ decades-long refusal to grant financial autonomy to local governments.
Reacting to the judgment in a statement on Friday, Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, applauded the judiciary, describing the judgment as courageous.
“The Supreme Court judgment on the autonomy of local governments is one that should be hailed and applauded, especially for the courage and independence shown by the judiciary.
“The Supreme Court, being a policy court, did what is right and beneficial to society. While it may look like interference in the states, we should accept that all the calls for an end to insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry have just begun with this autonomy granted to the local governments.
“When the local governments are in total control of their funds, there is a flow of resources and activities in the local areas. For instance, when I was governor between 1999-2007, the autonomy of my local government chairmen was a major breakthrough for the success of my administration.
“The local government chairmen built roads and gave contracts to local contractors. The chairmen were able to take full responsibility for what happened in their local government, and crime was reduced to the barest minimum.
“I will also appeal to the Federal Government to consider making a case for local government elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) instead of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
“This will further strengthen the autonomy of the local governments and reduce the pressure on the state governments. When governance gets to the grassroots, it becomes easier to identify and hold the leaders responsible.
“I sincerely appeal to the 36 state governors to accept this judgment as a victory for democracy, a victory for themselves, and a victory for all Nigerians,” he added.
LG autonomy: Kalu urges governors to accept Supreme Court verdict
