The Young Progressives Party YPP has demanded the immediate commencement of a constitutional amendment for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) by the National Assembly. This is one of the essential steps towards redeeming an institution that has often acted as a rubber stamp rather than representing the people’s interests. This further step will guarantee complete autonomy for LGAs and free them from the stranglehold of governors.
The statement was made in Akure the Ondo State Capital on Friday by the publicity secretary of the party,Egbeola Wale Martins over the judgement of the supreme court given total autonomy to the local governments in Nigeria
We celebrate the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, granting financial autonomy to Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. This decision is a significant milestone in our quest for true federalism and democratic growth.
We commend the Supreme Court for its courage and wisdom in delivering this judgment. We also hail President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for taking the bold step to liberate local governments in Nigeria.
However, we recognize that this judgment is only the first step. We call on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to track the allocations and revenues of LGAs to ensure judicious utilization and stem the culture of irresponsibility and corruption associated with the other two tiers of government.
We urge all Nigerians to take ownership and hold their local government leaders accountable, as they neither have immunity nor are above the law. They can be questioned, arrested, prosecuted, and jailed in cases of impunity, abuse of office, or corruption.
Conclusively, let us join hands in this struggle for true federalism and local government autonomy. Together, we can build a more democratic and prosperous Nigeria.
Thank you.
Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins
National Publicity Secretary
nps@ypp.ng
