APC Praises Supreme Court Ruling on LG Financial Autonomy

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has lauded the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the right of local government councils to directly receive their monthly allocations from the federation account.

The seven-man panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, upheld the federal government’s stance that state governors lack the authority to arbitrarily dissolve democratically-elected local government councils and replace them with caretaker committees, as has been commonly practiced.

In its Thursday ruling, the apex court declared it an act of gross misconduct to route local government allocations through states.

In a statement issued on Friday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka praised the judgment as the most significant step toward restructuring Nigeria since the nation’s return to civilian rule in 1999. He noted that the ruling gives practical effect to the constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government.

Morka emphasized that the decision eliminates the proxy system where state governments received federal allocations on behalf of local councils.

The APC also commended President Bola Tinubu for his ingenuity, vision, and commitment to strengthening the country’s democracy and enhancing the efficiency and developmental potential of local government councils.

Morka stated, “This decision marks a historic moment in consolidating democratic federalism in our country. It gives practical expression to the constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government. We applaud the Supreme Court for its courage in delivering a definitive decision on this critical national issue. The clarity it brings will undoubtedly spur further reforms for the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local government administration in the country.”