Financial autonomy: Hold LG chairmen accountable – groups urge Nigerians

 Financial autonomy: Hold LG chairmen accountable  –  groups urge Nigerians


Accountable


By Aderonke Ojediran


Lagos, July 12, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance  on Friday called on Nigerians to hold their elected representatives at the local government level more accountable.


 


The Chairman of the group, Comrade Toyin Raheem, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.


He reacted to Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment  granting financial autonomy to local governments.


“There is no ambiguity about it. The law is clear – each tier of government should be independent. That mean the state cannot control the local government.


“We must thank the Supreme Court for this judgment, it is a judgment in favour of the people.


“The ball is now on the court of local government chairmen. The masses should be ready to hold any local government chairman that refuses to perform accountable,” he said.


He said that the citizens should be bold enough to challenge  local governments  in the event of misappropriation of funds.


 


“If any chairman thinks he has the power to act as he pleases, the people should remind him that they truly own the power.


 


“With this judgment now, we should be able to see development at the grassroots. There is no room for excuses related to funds because they now have financial autonomy,” he said.


Similarly, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, urged a more effective governance at the grassroots,  with the judgment.


“One of my worries when it comes to Lagos State is the fact that there are more local government development councils.


“What will be the ratio for sharing the fund, considering the peculiarity of Lagos?


 


“No interference from party or state government should be condoned. Party leaders should steer clear,” he said.


Omotehinse called on Nigerians to hold local government chairmen more  accountable and challenge them in the event  of any misconduct. (NAN)


OAF/IGO


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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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