*Urges state govts to respect uphold the judgment on LG autonomy
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Sarafadeen Alli on Wednesday, declared that with the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, Nigeria will witness a new era of grassroots development and democratic consolidation.
The Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Senator Alli however, tasked state governments in the country to respect and uphold the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, adding that ” any attempt to undermine local government autonomy would be counterproductive”.
He maintained that the Supreme Court judgement will significantly accelerate grassroots development, saying, the judgment ” is a victory for democracy and the rule of law, ensuring that local governments can operate independently without undue interference from state governments” .
“This judgment marks a new beginning for local governments, and I am confident that it will lead to sustainable development and improved living standards for all Nigerians. This decision reaffirms the importance of local governance and empowers local authorities to take charge of their developmental agenda, which is crucial for the overall progress of our nation”, he said.
Senator Alli added, ” When local governments are financially and administratively autonomous, they can respond more swiftly to the needs of their constituents, thereby driving rapid development at the grassroots level” .
The Senator noted that with enhanced autonomy, local governments would be better positioned to implement policies and projects tailored to the unique needs of their communities including addressing issues of security at that level and that such would lead to more efficient service delivery, improved infrastructure, and greater citizen participation in governance.
While calling on state governments to respect and uphold the Supreme Court’s judgment, and that any attempt to undermine local government autonomy would be counterproductive, Senator Alli urged local government officials to rise to the occasion by demonstrating accountability, transparency and commitment to the welfare of their people.
” This is a golden opportunity for local governments to prove their worth and justify the trust placed in them by the highest court in the land”, Senator Alli reiterated his support for the ongoing efforts to strengthen local governance structures in Nigeria” .
