NOSA EGHAGHA
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has praised the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its recent decision to restore financial and executive powers to local governments.
In a press statement issued yesterday, the NLC President Joe Ajaero described the judgment as “epochal” and “courageous,” highlighting its significance in revitalizing democracy and fostering national development.
The Supreme Court had ruled that financial allocations should be made directly to local governments, removing the authority of state governments to dismiss local government executives.
Ajaero said that the landmark judgment will help to dismantle the long-standing grip state governments have had on local administrations, which, according, has stunted national growth and increased crime rates.
“The Supreme Court has not only restored our democracy but possibly hope in the democracy,” Ajaero said.
He emphasized that the control and paralysis of local governments by state governments have been detrimental to the nation’s progress and public safety.
While describing the journey to the judicial victory has been challenging, Ajaero recounted years of dismay and discontent among workers as they witnessed the erosion of local government powers.
He said that NLC had engaged in a series of national protests to advocate for the autonomy of local governments.
Ajaero acknowledged the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in attempting to loosen the state governments’ stranglehold on local authorities. He also lauded the contributions of the 9th Assembly in addressing this critical issue.
Furthermore, Ajaero paid tribute to the current administration of President Bola Tinubu for its decisive action in bringing the case before the Supreme Court. He commended both President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation for their roles in achieving this judicial milestone.
While celebrating the judgment, Ajaero underscored the importance of its implementation. He urged all stakeholders to ensure that the ruling is not undermined at the implementation stage, stressing that proper execution is crucial for realizing the intended benefits.
A significant aspect of local government autonomy is the conduct of local elections, Ajaero noted. He criticized the fairness of elections conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and suggested that the true freedom of local governments depends on the integrity of those governing them.
Ajaero proposed a stakeholder conversation to discuss whether SIECs should continue to conduct elections or if the National Electoral Commission (NEC) should take over despite its existing burdens and imperfections. He also raised the possibility of establishing a regulatory agency or commission to oversee SIECs, suggesting that such an entity could help ensure fairer elections at the local level.
The NLC president concluded by stressing that the autonomy of local governments will be meaningless if new leaders repeat the mistakes of their predecessors. He called for a “self-purgation” or national rebirth, asserting that legal rulings alone are insufficient for genuine reform.
“There is a need for a self-purgation or a national rebirth as laws or court pronouncements alone may not be enough,” Ajaero stated, emphasizing the necessity of ethical governance and accountability at the local level.
The NLC’s commendation of the Supreme Court’s decision reflects a broader hope for renewed democratic practices and enhanced local governance in Nigeria. As the nation anticipates the implementation of this landmark judgment, all eyes will be on the local governments and their ability to rise to the challenge of effective self-governance.
In a related development, the President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ambali Olatunji, has praised the recent Supreme Court ruling that grants autonomy to local governments.
Reacting to the judgement, Olatunji attributed the success to divine intervention and commended President Bola Tinubu for his courageous leadership in achieving this milestone.
Olatunji emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in addressing Nigeria’s broader issues.
“We have always maintained that if you don’t fix the local government system, you can’t fix Nigeria,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the justices for their roles in delivering this landmark judgment, which he believes will significantly benefit the Nigerian masses.
The NULGE President outlined several key benefits of local government autonomy, including reducing Nigeria’s problems by at least 50 percent.
He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, community security, and food security as expected outcomes.
Additionally, Olatunji anticipated a return to the effective primary education systems and health centers that were once the hallmark of local governance.
Security is also expected to improve under the new autonomy. Olatunji noted that local governments would now be able to recruit and train local security operatives for intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Furthermore, he predicted a surge in vocational training opportunities for women and youths, fostering economic empowerment at the community level.
Addressing state governors, Olatunji expressed confidence in their law-abiding nature and urged them to view the Supreme Court’s judgment as essential for national growth and development.
He appealed to the governors to comply with the ruling and support the transition towards more autonomous local governance.
Olatunji also issued a warning to the political class at the local level, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
“We don’t expect to see looting of resources at that level,” he said. To ensure the judicious use of local government funds, NULGE plans to partner with anti-corruption agencies, reinforcing their commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
