President Tinubu hails Supreme Court ruling upholding local governments’ autonomy

President Bola Tinubu has praised the groundbreaking ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the statutory rights of local governments.

Mr. Tinubu pointed out that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president stressed that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.

“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 judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people. This judgement 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,” President Tinubu states.

President Tinubu observed that the delivery of essential amenities and public services, such as road construction and maintenance, street lighting, drainage, parks, and community security, has suffered due to the weakening of local governments.

He hailed the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to uphold local governments’ financial autonomy and constitutional rights as a significant milestone, reinforcing Nigeria’s federal structure and paving the way for national development.

The President praised the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his dedication and patriotic efforts in this crucial matter as he assured that his administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian.