PeakNews Online
Former Vice President and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate in 2023 elections Atiku Abubakar has praised the Supreme Court’s judgment on LG autonomy, calling it a “step in the right direction” for the country’s development.
Atiku who spoke through a tweet on his twitter handle @atiku, lauded the court’s decision to affirm fiscal autonomy for local government councils in Nigeria, describing it as a victory for the people.
However, Abubakar criticized the federal government’s move to consolidate local council revenues into state government accounts. He labeled this decision as “politics of hasty compromise.”
“The judgment of the Supreme Court earlier today affirming fiscal autonomy to local government councils in the country is a win for the people of Nigeria,” Abubakar wrote. “The court’s ruling is a step in the right direction and a major corrective action in greasing the wheels of national development across the country.”
He expressed his agreement with the Supreme Court’s stance on the structure of the Nigerian government, emphasizing that local governments should be centers of development.
Abubakar also advocated for expanding fiscal autonomy beyond just federation account allocations. “I share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts but, indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities,” he stated.
He pointed out the challenges faced by local councils, particularly in ultra-urban areas, where states have hindered their ability to generate revenue from various activities. “Many of our states, especially those in the ultra-urban areas with high-density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents, and many more,” he noted.
Abubakar concluded by emphasizing that the Supreme Court’s verdict aligns with its core function as an arbitration court between and among governments.
