CREAP Africa Initiative Welcomes Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Autonomy
Abuja, Nigeria – July 12, 2024
The Community Rights Education Advancement Pathway (CREAP) Africa Initiative warmly welcomes the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which affirms the autonomy of local governments and prohibits state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government leaders.
This landmark judgment is a significant milestone in the quest for effective grassroots governance and community development in Nigeria. With 774 local government areas, the country has long struggled with efficient governance at the third tier, hindered by state governors’ overbearing influence.
The Supreme Court’s decision to direct funds meant for local governments to be channeled directly to them from the Federation Account, rather than being held in joint accounts controlled by governors, is a major victory for local governance and democracy.
CREAP Africa Initiative urges both Federal and State Governments to fully respect and implement this judgment, allowing the local government system to function effectively as the third level of government and closest to the people in the locality.
We believe that this judgment will have a profound impact on social development in local communities, enabling them to access essential services, infrastructure, and resources that have been hitherto denied due to gubernatorial interference.
We call on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the successful implementation of this judgment and the empowerment of local governments to deliver on their mandate.
Congratulations to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for instituting this suit, and to the Supreme Court for upholding the Constitution and the principles of democracy.
Signed,
Abdullahi Sani,
Communications Manager
CREAP Africa Initiative