Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hailed the judgement of the Supreme Court on local government financial autonomy in the country.
In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Umuahia, the state capital yesterday, the vice chairman and publicity secretary of the chapter, Abraham Amah expressed satisfaction with the judgement.
“This decision is a crucial step towards enhancing good governance at the grassroots level, ensuring that local government councils stand as the third tier of government closest to the people,” the statement said.
“We commend the Supreme Court for laying to rest the longstanding issue of local government autonomy, and we wholeheartedly support this significant development.”
It urged the Presidency to submit an executive bill to the National Assembly for a constitutional amendment to reflect the judgement and to save the councils from undue political influence.
Furthermore, the statement suggested that such amendments should include dissolving of the local government service commissions and establishing bodies to manage their affairs.
“The bill should also support the direct allocation of federal funds to local governments, bypassing the Joint Allocation Account Committee, and ensure governors do not interfere with these funds.
“We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians to champion the cause of local government autonomy, recognizing its immense potential to improve governance and service delivery at the grassroots level,” he said.
