Asiwaju Mandate Group has praised President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in securing financial autonomy for Local Government Areas nationwide.

The group has also called on the National Assembly to enact legislation that would allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to oversee local government elections. The recent Supreme Court ruling, which mandates that Local Governments should have independent control over their funds, is seen as a significant step in reinforcing grassroots democracy and reducing the influence of State Governors.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the immediate effect of the judgment, describing it as a liberation for Local Government Areas. He also stressed the obligation of state governors to adhere to the Supreme Court’s decision, warning of consequences for non-compliance.

In a statement signed by its Director General, Mr Olumuyiwa Asagunla, and the Publicity Secretary, Ayodeji Ologun, obtained in Osogbo on Friday, the group expressed gratitude for the decisive actions taken by President Tinubu on the matter. The ruling was hailed as a significant victory for democracy and local governance.

President Bola Tinubu and Attorney General Fagbemi were commended for their dedication to upholding the constitution and ensuring the independent and effective operation of Local Governments. The group urged voters to consider the character, exposure, and capacity of individuals leading their Local Governments to ensure comprehensive development. With financial autonomy, Local Governments can now cater to the unique needs of their communities without interference.

The judgment was seen as a liberation for the people, with hopes that governors who have acted as autocrats will respect the law and refrain from unlawfully constituting Caretaker Committees.

The group emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling addressed crucial issues, such as the illegal dissolution of democratically elected local governments by governors and the misuse of federal government allocations for local governments through state governments.

AMG also called on the National Assembly to pass laws empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct Local government elections in the 774 LGs across Nigeria.