LG Autonomy: Federal Gov’t Not Superior To States — Makinde

Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has declared that the Federal Government is not superior over states in the exercise of each other’s constitutional roles.

Governor Makinde stated this in Ibadan at an emergency consultative meeting with stakeholders on Monday to appraise the last week’s judgement of the Supreme Court which granted financial autonomy to the local government areas across the nation.

“Oyo State will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people. We can run our own affairs. The Federal Government is not superior constitutionally to the State government. Well, they have more resources than the state government, but the jurisdiction is coordinate. So, we can do what is right in Oyo State and we’ve been doing what is right in Oyo State,” Makinde said.

Speaking further on the intervention of the state government in supporting the local governments in the past, Governor Makinde told newsmen that his administration has settled the backlog of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities owed primary school teachers from 2017.

“We inherited local governments owing salaries, pensions and gratuities. And for primary school teachers; the Chairman of NUT (Nigeria Union of Teachers) is here. Before we came in, their leave bonuses was last paid in 2017. So this administration paid 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023,” Makinde said.

LEADERSHIP reported Makinde declaring that the apex court’s ruling has created a significant gap between judicial and constitutional provisions.

The governor also announced the formation of technical and legal committees to thoroughly examine the implications of the court’s decision.

The meeting which held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office was attended by key figures including members of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Local Government Administration (ALGON), the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, and representatives from various unions including the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

Makinde highlighted the aim of the gathering to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court ruling regarding the financial autonomy of local government councils.

He emphasised the challenges posed to state governments by the decision, stressing the need for a home-grown solution that ensures transparency and aligns with constitutional principles.

“In addressing the aftermath of this ruling, we must ensure that our actions promote good governance and serve the best interests of our people,” he said.

The Oyo State governor also reflected on his administration’s efforts since assuming office, citing significant strides in local government elections, infrastructure development, and the settlement of salary arrears and pension obligations.

Speaking on the challenges and the way forward, Makinde reiterated his commitment to collaborative efforts with local governments to deliver dividends of democracy effectively.

Meanwhile, Barrister Aikomo and Otunba Ojo, addressing newsmen after the meeting, outlined the responsibilities of the newly formed committees.

They disclosed that the committees have been tasked with reviewing the specifics of the Supreme Court ruling and proposing detailed implementation plans that adhere to constitutional requirements while addressing practical challenges.

The Attorney-General affirmed that the committees are expected to complete their review within four to six weeks, pending the receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court Judgement.

The Supreme Court ruling, which mandates direct administration of local government funds without interference from state governors, has sparked nationwide debates and legal scrutiny.

“We are determined to navigate these challenges and ensure that the interests of our people remain paramount,” Makinde concluded.