Senate President Godswill Akpabio declares unwavering support for the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy, emphasizing the importance of empowering grassroots governance.
Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, has confirmed that the Senate backs the Supreme Court’s ruling to provide financial independence to Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
The endorsement was made after a closed session, following a motion put forward by Senator Tony Nwoye (LP-Anambra).
Nwoye expressed concerns about attempts by certain state governments and their Houses of Assembly to pass laws that undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling intended to ensure financial independence for local governments.
Akpabio highlighted the Senate’s dedication to upholding the court’s decision and ensuring that local governments receive the autonomy they deserve.
Akpabio stated, “We fully support the Supreme Court’s decision and declaration regarding local government autonomy.”
We have reviewed the motion and found that certain prayers would conflict with current constitutional provisions. Consequently, we have jointly agreed on two prayers.
We firmly believe that the most significant legacy this administration, along with the 10th Senate and National Assembly, can leave behind is one of reforming and strengthening local government.
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“Additionally, by guaranteeing that local government funds are completely utilized to benefit rural communities,”
Subsequently, the Senate approved two out of the six motions proposed by Senator Tony Nwoye.
The Senate consequently called on all state and local governments to adhere fully to the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the disbursement and use of funds allocated to all local governments in Nigeria.
The Senate also committed to amending the necessary constitutional provisions in order to grant full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
Akpabio expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for their contributions, particularly acknowledging Sen. Tony Nwoye for introducing the motion regarding an attempt to bypass a Supreme Court ruling.
I want to assure you that the national assembly is committed to modifying any part of our constitution and revising any section of our laws necessary to guarantee complete autonomy for local government administration in Nigeria.
