LG Autonomy Ruling Shows Nigeria’s Democratic Maturity, Says Presidential Aide

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, has hailed the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy as evidence of Nigeria’s maturing democracy.

This was contained in a statement issued by Miss Abiola’s office following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling reinforcing the administrative and financial autonomy of local government councils in the country.

Abiola described President Bola Tinubu as a leader who is committed to entrenching democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.

She also extended heartfelt congratulations to all Nigerians on the ruling by the apex court, saying it proved that Nigeria’s democracy has come of age.

“For years, the effectiveness of local government administration has been a challenge and this has negatively impacted public service delivery at the grassroots.

“This ruling highlights the judiciary’s dedication to preserving the best interests of citizens and the rule of law as enshrined in our Constitution. Local governments are crucial to our democratic system and preserving their autonomy is essential to quickening the pace of development,” she said.

She lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic ideals, saying his approach to governance is exemplary.

“As evidenced by the bold decision to approach the Court, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to enshrining true democratic principles and enabling government at all levels to better address the needs of our people.

“The President’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law is exemplary and highly commendable,” she added.

She also called on citizens to take advantage of the ruling by participating in local government elections and by holding their leaders to account.

“I hereby urge all citizens to seize the moment by actively participating in community development efforts and local government elections, and also hold their leaders accountable.

“Increased transparency and improved service delivery at the local level depend on active civic engagement. All hands must now be on deck to ensure that this ruling translates to improved local government administration in the 774 LGAs across the federation,” she said.

Recal that the Supreme Court had on Thursday granted full financial autonomy to local government areas, directing the federal government to pay allocations due to them directly to local government councils from the Federation Account while exempting those without elected councils.