President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the constitutional rights of local governments, describing it as a historic milestone in the country’s quest for true federalism and effective grassroots governance.
The President, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said: “The Supreme Court’s judgement is a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all our people.”
He praised the court’s ruling, which grants financial autonomy to local governments, as a significant step towards empowering citizens to hold their local leaders accountable for service delivery.
Tinubu noted that the judgement would ensure that resources meant for local governments are used for the benefit of the people, rather than being controlled by state governments.
The President commended the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his role in pursuing the case and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the principles of federalism and ensuring efficient governance that works for all Nigerians.
“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.
