On Friday, July 11, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating a Supreme Court case that has freed local government areas (LGAs) from the financial control of state governors.
The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that local government allocations from the Federation Account must be paid directly to the LGAs. The court declared it unconstitutional for state governors to appropriate funds meant for local government areas.
Ndume described the judgment as President Tinubu’s biggest achievement since assuming office in May 2023. He called on President Tinubu to immediately implement the court’s judgment, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development.
The Borno South lawmaker criticized state governors for hijacking local government administration by relying on a controversial section of the 1999 Constitution. He stated that this had hindered meaningful development at the grassroots level.
“This court action, initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is his biggest achievement. I am very happy about this development and hope it marks the beginning of the liberation of local governments in Nigeria,” Ndume said.
He urged the President to ensure that Local Government Councils start receiving their monthly allocations without delay, so the grassroots can begin to feel the impact of good governance.
Ndume also highlighted previous unsuccessful attempts by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to address this issue, noting that state governors had blocked these efforts. He acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts, which were similarly thwarted by governors.
“With this Supreme Court judgment, the issue has finally been resolved. No more unnecessary deductions from funds earmarked for local governments. The people can now hold Council chairmen accountable for their spending. I salute the courage of President Tinubu,” Ndume concluded.
