The Labour Party’s candidate for governor in Enugu State during the 2023 elections, Hon. Barr Chijioke Edeoga, praised the Supreme Court decision that gives full control of finances to local governments.
According to DAILY POST, the highest court in Nigeria ruled on Thursday to stop state governors from controlling local government money.
People across the country are happy about this decision.
In a statement he signed on Thursday, Edeoga said the ruling ends years of governors misusing their power over local government funds.
He remembered that during his campaign, he promised to protect local government funds.
He also asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure the new ruling is followed.
Here is what he said:
“On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to control money meant for local governments.
“The ruling stated that only local governments elected by the people should manage their own funds.
“Some people who want political changes might not like this ruling, but it follows the Nigerian Constitution.
“Governors have been breaking the Nigerian Constitution for many years by taking money meant for local governments.
“Local governments should be the closest to the people and help with development, but they have not been getting the funds they need because of state governors.
“Governors have been treating local government money as their own, giving it out as they wish and ignoring what local councils need.
“This has led to situations where some local governments get more money while others get less, based on favoritism.
“The EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies have many cases of governors misusing local government funds, but there have been delays in punishing them.
“During my campaign for governor, I spoke about this problem and promised to protect local government funds if elected.
“As a former local government Chairman, I understand how important these funds are for rural development, jobs, and economic growth.
“I believe local government funds should not be easy money for governors. Instead, council chairmen should have direct access to the money to help with development.
“Following this ruling will help local governments grow and take some pressure off state resources.
“I am glad President Bola Tinubu’s administration has taken this positive step to improve local governance in Nigeria.
“The Labour Party in Enugu State sees this as a move in the right direction, and we commend President Tinubu and the Attorney General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, for their determination and patriotism.
“While we praise this administration for their courage and vision, we must ensure this ruling is not just another case law but is fully implemented.
“Nigerians are excited about this ruling and look forward to the positive changes it will bring in rural areas. Delays or failure to implement it would disappoint many.
“The EFCC must be dedicated to fighting corruption in local governments now more than ever.
“Before this ruling, governors had immunity that slowed the investigation and punishment for abusing council funds.
“Local Government Chairmen do not have this immunity and will now be directly responsible for using their funds correctly.
“This ruling is important for the public and gives hope for grassroots development in Nigeria.
“The EFCC and NFIU must urgently set up special units to ensure this ruling is followed and to prevent state governors from bypassing it.
“These units should be able to investigate, arrest, and quickly prosecute those who break the rules. If the anti-crime agencies are ready, many Nigerians will support federal efforts to oversee local government funds.
“I also urge the Attorney General to publish guidelines to ensure the immediate and full application of the Supreme Court ruling.
“The National Assembly should quickly work on amending the constitution to remove local government elections from state control.”