The candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, Gbenga Edema, has lauded the Supreme Court judgement that granted autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country.
Edema, who had been an advocate of autonomy for the local government,
emphasised that the development will no doubt pave the way for comprehensive development and progress at the grassroots level.
According to the NNPP standard-bearer, the judgement will enable the local government in the country to better serve their communities and address their unique needs.
“The Supreme Court ruling is a victory for democracy and will enable local authorities to better serve the needs of their residents.
“As commendable as the Supreme Court’s judgment is, it would not end the controversy over the local government autonomy, unless and until the States are compelled to respect the section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which stipulates that local government administration must be democratically elected and be allowed to exercise all their functions enumerated in the Fourth shedule to the said Constitution.
“In Ondo State, the 18 local governments have been denied the opportunity to collect rates in the markets. The state government has taken over the collection of cemetery rate, tenement rate, licensing, regulation, and control of the sale of liquor for the past eight years.”
Edema advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to send amendments to the National Assembly to correct the lapses created by the Supreme Court judgment and ensure that local governments work for the benefit of the citizens.
He, however, urged those who will head the councils to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of local government affairs.
Meanwhile, the former lawyer and ex-Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has berated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for constituting transition committees for the newly created 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
According to Edema, the governor goofed in the constitution of the committees despite a court judgement that nullified the creation of the LCDAs.
The NNPP candidate emphasised the need for upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial decisions, stressing the need for adherence to legal protocols in all matters concerning governance and administration.
“Only this morning, the Supreme Court declared the composition of caretaker committee for local government councils illegal, yet Governor Ayedatiwa still went ahead to purportedly announce a caretaker committee for the local government area councils.
“Even if the court did not declare the composition of caretaker committee for the local councils illegal, when was the list sent to the House of Assembly that has the power to approve such composition.
“It is disheartening to see the governor constitute transition committees for LCDAs that have been deemed illegal by the court.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law undermines the principles of governance and accountability.”
“Respecting judicial judgement is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of our governance system. We must ensure that the law is upheld and that governance is conducted in a transparent and lawful manner.”
