LG autonomy: NLC lauds S’Court judgment, Pres. Tinubu for instituting the lawsuits

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his presence of mind to institute the lawsuits at the Supreme Court, seeking full autonomy and direct funding for all 774 local government councils in the country.

Earlier, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold or tamper with funds allocated to local government councils as the third tier of government.

The apex court declared that the 774 LG councils in the country have the right to manage their own funds and resources.

In a statement on Thursday by the Head of Information at the NLC, Benson Upah, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, described the epochal pronouncement as a victory for democracy.

He said: “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress wish to commend the Supreme Court of Nigeria for restoring power to the local governments.

“It’s epochal pronouncement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, directing that financial allocations be made directly to local governments as well as divesting state governments of power to remove local government executives is both courageous and salubrious.

“The Supreme Court, through this landmark judgment has not only restored our democracy but possibly hope in the democracy.

“Not a few believe the stunted national growth or development and the overwhelming surge in crimes and threats to our collective good is directly tied to the seizure and paralysis of local governments by state governments.

“The journey to the local governments’ freedom has been a tortuous one. For years, we had watched with dismay and discontent the remorseless and mindless erosion of the powers of the local governments and had embarked on a series of national protests as workers.

“This statement will not be complete without paying tribute to the Tinubu government for its presence of mind to institute this action at the Supreme Court. We specifically commend the President and the Attorney General of the Federation.

“Judgment has been given, but we are now confronted with implementation. We urge that all necessary measures be taken so that this judgment is not sabotaged at the implementation stage.”