Pastor Giwa Warns Governors May Resist Supreme Court’s LG Autonomy Ruling

Senior Pastor Adewale Giwa of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry expressed skepticism on Wednesday about state governors complying with the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.

Giwa highlighted that governors have entrenched themselves as overlords over local government affairs, suggesting they may resist implementing the court’s decision.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled against the federal government’s direct allocation payments to local government councils, emphasizing that state governors had abused their authority by retaining and utilizing funds earmarked for LGAs.

In response, Giwa welcomed the court’s decision but voiced doubts about governors adhering to it. He criticized governors for usurping the roles of elected council chairmen and appointing caretaker committees instead of allowing statutory local government elections.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy is a positive step,” Giwa told NIGERIA NEWS 247. “However, I am skeptical whether governors will comply. Nigerian governors have a history of mismanaging local government funds and consolidating power.”

Giwa condemned governors for executing projects meant for local councils, asserting that corruption was rampant in such practices. He urged governors to reform and allow elected chairmen to fulfill their mandates effectively.

“Before governors usurped local government powers, our councils were thriving in development,” Giwa remarked. “They were more responsive to grassroots needs than governors. This judgment should prompt governors to correct their course and empower elected local leaders.”

He encouraged newly elected council chairmen to prioritize impactful projects and called on the federal government to ensure equitable distribution of funds to local governments.

“Nigerians should hold their governors accountable,” Giwa urged. “Politicians aspiring to lead local governments must use this opportunity to deliver transparent governance and uplift their communities.”

Giwa concluded by urging sincerity in disbursing local government funds, cautioning against misuse for personal gain.