The recent Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments has sparked a war of words between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP expressed concerns, labeling the court’s decision as a potential source of conflict, while the APC accused the opposition party of hindering the spread of democratic benefits to the grassroots, branding them as enemies of the people.
Delivered on July 11, the Supreme Court ruling stipulated that state governors no longer have control over funds designated for the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
The judgment by Justice Emmanuel Agim emphasized that local governments must independently manage their funds, solidifying their financial autonomy.
Furthermore, the court invalidated state governments’ authority to appoint caretaker committees for local councils, recognizing only democratically elected local government bodies.
Oyo State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde, cautioned that the public would bear the repercussions of the ruling.
“When there is a conflict, we should resort to the law. However, we need to seek solutions that promote transparency and prevent the suffering of our people. It’s crucial to find indigenous approaches that ensure the well-being of our citizens,” Makinde remarked.
On the other hand, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba announced that the party is evaluating the Supreme Court’s judgment before taking a definitive stance.
Expressing concerns, Ologunagba stated, “The potential creation of a bureaucratic structure by the Federal Government to oversee local government affairs could lead to corruption and disrupt governance. Reforms should involve collaboration with governors rather than unilateral actions by the Federal Government.
“While we respect the court’s decision, it’s essential to consider the governors’ responsibilities towards local governments. Local governance should prioritize benefiting the people, not bureaucratic maneuvers. This issue remains unresolved with regards to local government administration.”
Highlighting the relationship between local governments and state authorities, Ologunagba emphasized that in case of issues within a local government, the chairman would approach the state government, not the Federal Government.
The National Director of Publicity for the APC, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the PDP’s position as baseless and belated.
Questioning the opposition party’s delay in reacting to the judgment, Ibrahim asserted that the Supreme Court’s decision is final and cannot be contested.
“The PDP’s insistence on reviewing the ruling signifies their inclination towards perpetuating corruption and hindering democratic progress. Attempts to challenge the apex court’s judgment exhibit a desire to maintain control over the masses rather than empower them. This is unacceptable and borders on criminality,” Ibrahim remarked.
He further criticized the PDP for seemingly opposing any measures that empower the people, emphasizing that local governments are meant to directly serve and benefit the citizens, not be manipulated by state governments.
“The PDP’s reluctance to accept the court’s decision and their dubious intentions raise suspicions about their commitment to democracy and good governance. The focus should be on advancing the welfare of the people, not perpetuating political agendas,” Ibrahim concluded.