The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concerns over the recent Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments, describing it as a potential recipe for conflict.
During a world press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, voiced the party’s unease, stressing that the matter is far from resolved.
The controversy stems from a July 11 ruling by the Supreme Court, which stripped the 36 state governors of their control over funds allocated to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. The judgment, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, underscored the financial independence of local governments, affirming their right to manage their own resources. The court also ruled that state governments lack the authority to appoint caretaker committees for local councils, mandating that only democratically elected local governments should be recognized.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, warned that the ruling could have unintended consequences, particularly for the general public. He emphasized the need for homegrown solutions to ensure transparency and protect citizens from potential fallout.
“The law is the law, and seats when there’s a conflict, it’s right to seek judicial recourse,” Makinde stated. “But we must also look for our own solutions that ensure transparency and prevent our people from suffering. When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”
Ologunagba disclosed that the PDP is currently reviewing the implications of the judgment, highlighting the importance of dialogue over litigation in resolving such significant issues.
“The concern is very clear,” Ologunagba stated. “Local governments are closely related to the state because they are closer in proximity and function. As a party, we are reviewing the Supreme Court’s position with great concern. The federal government’s attempt to create another layer of bureaucracy in local government control could lead to manipulation and corruption, and ultimately, conflict.”
He continued, “If there are reforms to be made in local government administration, they should involve the state governors, not be imposed unilaterally by the federal government. The governors are the ones directly responsible for the well-being of the people in their states, not the federal government.”
Ologunagba also pointed out that if issues arise within a local government, it is the state governors who are called upon to address them, not the federal authorities. He stressed the crucial role governors play in managing local governments and ensuring their efficiency.
“The state government has a responsibility,” he noted. “If there’s a problem in a local government, they don’t call the federal government; they call the state government. So, there must be an understanding that the state has a duty and a responsibility. What we need is to work on the best way to allow for the efficient management of local governments, in collaboration with the state governors.”
The PDP spokesman concluded by emphasizing that the party intends to hold further discussions with its governors and stakeholders to explore the best way forward.
“I do not believe we have seen the end of this issue,” Ologunagba said. “If the LGAs withdraw from ALGON, it will have significant consequences. Our goal is to ensure better administrative rights, and that requires ongoing dialogue.”
