The Nigeria Labour Congress has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming fiscal autonomy for local government councils across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the apex court’s ruling is a restoration of hope in the country’s democracy and judiciary.
Ajaero asserted that the apex court’s verdict is “both courageous and salubrious” and recalled the “tortuous” journey to the local governments’ freedom.
He said, “It’s an epochal pronouncement on Thursday, July 11, 2024, directing that financial allocations be made directly to Local Governments as well as divesting state governments of the 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 democracy.
“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.”
Ajaero also commended the 9th National Assembly, the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu for their efforts leading to the ruling.
He added, “We also note the effort made by the Buhari Administration to prise off the strangle-hold of governors on local governments. We must also mention the commendable role on this matter by the 9th Assembly.
“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.”
Ajaero, however, wants the Supreme Court ruling implemented and questions the conduct of local government elections by state electoral commissions.
“Should SIECS be allowed to conduct ‘elections’ or should NEC take over (even as they are over-burdened and are not exactly the best example)? Should there be a regulatory agency or commission with oversight over SIECs? We will find the devil in the details through a stakeholder conversation,” he said.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.
The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.
After the Supreme Court yesterday gave a landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils across the country, local government workers in Abia state were captured on video rejoicing and singing President Bola Tinubu’s praises.
The excited workers couldn’t hide their joy as they trooped out to celebrate other outcome of the court case. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of the amelioration of the sufferings they have endured under the Labour Party governor that has hijacked the council funds without paying workers that salaries for month.
Barely last minute negotiations, Kogi state would be reclaimed for Asiwaju at the Sc. What my contact who works at the highest eleite security told me. We met someting ago before i left the country, but our friendship dates back to when yar adua held sway. Anytime i want news of what the elites are plotting and their fights, i usually contact him through his pseudo contacts. We connected yesterday, and It was actually a slip of the tongue and i held him tight until he spewed the beans: Asiwaju and his guys at the Rock (especially that former rogue US charge & bail lawyer, the alligator that thinks himself a Croc in Aso Rock, our own dear Biamila) has concluded plans to kick out Ododo at the Sc. They want it quick and swift,, such that there wont be any room for legal wranglings and it's at the Sc court they have such leverage! Vrooom....after the announcement, straight swearing in for Ajaka!
Omooooo.... this asiwaju na really snake. Truth be told, Asiwaju and his herd of alligators has nothing against and Ododo is not their target, the White lion is and the votes from Kogi is. As hope dims for asiwaju 2027, its a battle of survival using what he knows how best to do: Money & treachery! Ododo is not willing to agree to a compromise of betrayal like that one in Kaduna.
So they have concluded plans to remove Ododo, get the white lion and have Kogi votes in the bag! Do not forget, itis actually the state gov that can effectively rig a state, this Ododo is not ready to do, as the white lion has berth his ship with the Northern Turks who are hell bent of making sure Asiwaju is kicked in 2027. Leading this pack of wolves is one and only midget of Kaduna. I no mention anybody name ohhhh because from the look of things, he might be una Vice President from 2027 to 2031, vicing the one and only Nigerian Populist of recent times!
So Ododo if you know what is best for you, deploy any and al the resources you can muster ~ Asiwaju has concluded plans to remove you and install Ajaka! you heard it first from Bigkoko!
The candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the November 11,2023, governorship election in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka said he will reclaim at the Supreme Court what he termed stolen mandate.
Ajaka disclosed this in a statement on Thursday shortly after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja upheld the victory of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.
The statement reads in part: ” In light of today’s verdict, we want to state that we acknowledge and respect the decision of the Court of Appeal. However, we strongly believe that some irregularities and manipulations influenced the outcome of this petition.
“We have tirelessly fought for the rights and interests of the people of Kogi State, and we will not let this temporary setback deter us from our mission. We understand that this decision may have brought about feelings of disappointment and frustration among our supporters, but we want to assure you that this setback will not stop our determination to use all legal means to reclaim our stolen mandate.
“I call on all our supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the face of this disappointment and injustice. We understand the frustration and anger that may arise from this situation, but resorting to violence or any form of unlawful behaviour is not the solution. We must continue to uphold the principles of democracy and fight for justice through legal means.
“I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to our formidable legal team, who have worked diligently and tirelessly throughout this legal battle. Their brilliance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice have been evident at every step of the way, not minding the disappointing outcome so far.
“I commend them for their efforts and assure you that they will continue to fight with every ounce of their expertise and legal prowess until justice is served to the people of Kogi State.
“We understand that this verdict may have caused some to feel disheartened and even depressed. However, we urge you not to lose hope. Remember that our journey to reclaiming our stolen mandate is not limited to this decision. This is just another step in a series of legal battles that we are prepared to take to the very end.
“Now more than ever, we must remain relentless in our pursuit of justice. We cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. Our cause is just, and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.
“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.
“In the coming weeks, we will be working tirelessly to prepare our case for the apex court. We will leave no stone unturned, and no avenue unexplored in our quest for justice. We understand the weight of responsibility that has been placed upon our shoulders, and we are prepared to carry it with unwavering dedication and resilience.”
The SDP governorship candidate called on all his political followers and citizens of Kogi State to remain steadfast and resolute.
“Let us use this setback as fuel to propel us forward, to ignite a fire within us that will burn even brighter. Our stolen mandate will be reclaimed, and the will of the people will prevail.
MEGA4BILLION: I pity workers under L.G.As' payroll; the era of zero allocation has returned where a Local Government Chairman disappears from office to Abuja or Dubai once allocation enter only to return after the money has been misappropriated and start screaming zero allocation, the era where they used to owe their staff more than six months salary
There are governors like Otti owing local government workers
ourcrudeoil: Nothing has changed, All this criminal governors will step up their games. Are they not the one that will conduct their local government elections?
Even if they conduct their election, they can't control the chairman or have access to the Local government funds
tunjijones: Yes you are right. But it will make governance closer to the people. Local government will now be functional. Have you gone to some local government secratriat? Most of them are dead cos no activities and no money to fund the place. Na any amount whey the governors give them na hin dey fit use.
Na local government workers na hin dey suffer pass cos them fit owe them for 20 months.
We can now start holding our local govt chairman accountable. EFCC can now start going after local government chairmen (I no sure say immunity cover them).
A lot of Local government HQ in Nigeria is an eyesore
BERNIMOORE: you sound like you are a loser. so sorry that your fubara did not only lost but has put himself in for More Distractions from the FG even FUBARA annoited chosen ones will be used against him by FG who Now holds the Money bag for LG, isn'nt that a Karma? more still coming though
It's Fubara that will conduct the LG election in Rivers state, not FG
Jeffy1206: Are Nigerians so dumb and retarded to this level? Chai I weep for my nation indeed! So instead of praising the judiciary, you people are busy singing praises to the presidency as how? This only shows how you all agreed and happy with the fact that the judiciary is owned by the executive. It is pathetic to our democracy.
The judiciary can't do anything if the FG didn't sue the states on the issue. For over 15 years, Nigerians were complaining of this issue and governors were blocking the effort of the FG and the National Assembly on this issue through the court amd state assemblies
Chibuzoripob: Translate it for u" Tinubu ni baba wa oooo. Tinubu just OBI lo ooooo Tinubu lo le se ko dara 🎶 🎵 Omoluabi atata lo se oooo 🎶 🎵 🪕 Tinubu le kan si oooo 🎶 🎵 Tiwa dara laye tinubuu ooooo
Business › Re: Why Is Cardoso Not Selling Dollars To Bureau De Change Operators Again? by Paraman: 4:37pm On Jul 12, 2024
