FollowTheMoney, an initiative of Connected Development (CODE), has applauded the ruling by Supreme Court which declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
Recall that earlier on Thursday, the Apex Court delivered the judgement through Justice Emmanuel Agim and supported by a seven-man panel.
A statement issued by the Founder of FollwTheMoney, Amb. Hamzat Lawal, expressed optimism that the supreme court judgment will prevent diversion of local government funds and promote responsible governance.
FollowTheMoney said the judgement is a significant step towards ensuring financial autonomy and strengthening democratic governance at the third tier of government in Nigeria.
It added that the court’s declaration that state governments have no authority to elect caretaker committees underscores the importance of democratic processes.
“A local government council is only recognizable with a democratically elected government, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected.
“The Supreme Court’s decision affirms that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds independently. This ruling is pivotal in reinforcing the autonomy of local governments, which form the third tier of government alongside the federal and state governments. By guaranteeing financial independence, local governments will be better equipped to address the needs of their communities, improve service delivery, and promote grassroots development.
“FollowTheMoney has consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public funds. We believe that the Supreme Court’s ruling will contribute to these goals by preventing the diversion of local government funds and promoting responsible governance.
“As we celebrate this victory for democracy and local governance, Follow TheMoney remains committed to monitoring the allocation and utilization of public funds to ensure that they serve the best interests of the people. We call on citizens, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to join us in this effort to hold our leaders accountable and foster a culture of transparency and good governance,” the statement said.
FollowTheMoney urged all state governments to comply with the ruling and ensure that local governments receive their allocated funds directly, adding that it is crucial for the development of communities and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.
