The All-Progressives Congress (APC) UK South-West Caucus has described the verdict of the Supreme Court on Local Government financial autonomy as apt and timely, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu democratic and political intelligence.
The caucus added that the local government being the lowest rung of the ladder of the order of governance by virtue of the ruling no longer has any reason not to play their constitutionally spelt out roles, thereby complementing the state Governors efforts henceforth.
In a statement jointly signed by the group’s general secretary Mr Ayodele Adigun and the Chairman Hon Andrew Taiwo, APC UK South West Caucus expressed unalloyed joy for the federal government’s victory at the court as this will further help to intensify the level of democratic commitment at the grassroots.
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It will be recalled that a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court declared on Thursday that the 774 local government councils in the country should receive their funds directly from the Federal Government as well as manage such funds themselves, being a tier of government.
The court further declared that allocations to local government councils run by caretaker committees were illegal.
Reacting to the court ruling Hon Andrew Taiwo opined that, “the localities being administered by this council Mayors have no excuse again not to perform, as the funds goes to them directly and democratic procedures are well reinvigorated now through the instrumentality of the highest court in the land.
“We want to commend our President and National leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dogged, decisive mien to governance, this once again affirms his political sagacity and unwavering commitment for the protection of democratic tenets.
“Going forward we charge the council chairman to make good this opportunity availed them, through struggle for what is right as demonstrated by the PBAT and make governance count at that strata where they call the shot.
APC UK south-west Caucus also reiterates his commitment to supporting every good cause embarked on by the PBAT led administration, while adding that when the leader is right decisive and proactive steps are taken for the benefits of all regardless of sentiment.