…Commends Tinubu for bold initiative
A former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu has applauded the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the matter of financial autonomy of the Local Governments brought before it by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation describing it as a landmark judgement that is long overdue, but timely.
The Supreme Court, on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations even as it also barred governors from dissolving democratically elected Local Government councils in the country adding that doing so would amount to a breach of the 1999 Constitution.
However, in his reaction to the judgement in a statement he signed in Lagos on Thursday and made available to our correspondent, Dosunmu observed that the importance of that decision at this time in the nation’s history cannot be over emphasised as it would no doubt guarantee the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroot as represented by the 774 Local Governments.
“We now have a well structured federal system that guarantees the independence of each tier of government like it is obtainable in other federal jurisdictions all over the world. State governors are advised to take it in good faith and see this as a sacrifice they need to make for the advancement of our democracy”, he stated.
To the Local Government Chairmen, he said, “It should be seen as a call for accountability and more dedication to duty, because to whom much is given, much is expected. My advise to Nigerians who live in the 774 local governments is to get involved and demand for accountability from their local government Chairmen.
“There must be robust civic engagement by the residents of the local governments on how funds allocated are utilized and monitor how projects are implemented.”
He, thereafter commended and congratulated the President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu “for this bold and audacious initiative leading to this historic judgement that has opened new vistas of opportunities for Nigerians as we consolidate our democratic journey.”
Photo: Dr. Ade Dosunmu, former Director General, NIMASA.
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