STRENGTHEN LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY TO MAKE LG FINANCIAL AUTONOMY MEANINGFUL – OLAWEPO-HASHIM

A former Presidential Candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has hailed the Supreme Court Judgement that bars the Federal Government from sending Local Governments funds to States, but directly to the LGAs.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for State governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations.

In its lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.

However, Mr Olawepo-Hashim counseled that accountability structures including the local Governments Legislative Assemblies, should be strengthened to ensure that adequate over sight exists to ensure that local government funds that would now go directly to the LGA’s are not subject to abuse, but truly benefits the citizens of the Local council.

“We have a real opportunity for development to resume at the local government levels”, Olawepo-Hashim said, adding that “with the Supreme Court landmark Judgement, but only when we put up structures to ensure that these funds do not become the personal purse of certain individuals.”

The former Presidential Candidate added that “with these development, LGA’s should be able to pay attention to community policing, which is urgent and crucial in view of nation wide insecurity; Intra ward and neighborhood public transportation; regular grading of local roads to ensure easy movement of farm produce ; Primary and rural health services, Children early education etc etc.”

According to him, “Let’s ensure the real people benefit from this Judgement and that the Judgement does not create new local emperors from the LGAs treasury.

“On the face of it, the Supreme court’s Judgement is a good step in the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy!”