The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has called on the federal government to disregard lobbying by state governors who are against the direct payment of allocations to local governments.
The opposition party, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, said it is concerned by reports that state governors have been obstructing the direct disbursement of allocations to local councils, and called on the federal government to disregard such lobbying.
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) wishes to express its deep concern regarding the reported lobbying efforts by State Governors of the President aimed at obstructing the direct disbursement of Federal allocations to Local Government Authorities (LGAs),” the statement reads.
“We reiterate our strong commitment to upholding the principles of fiscal autonomy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and emphasized by the landmark Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024.
“It is disheartening to observe that, despite the clear legal framework affirming the financial independence of Local Governments, some of our emperor State Governors are utilizing their influence to undermine this critical democratic process.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to mandate that federal allocations be directed to the accounts of democratically elected local government councils was aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds at the grassroots level. It is also meant to stop the blatant abuse of local government funds by state governments in the much abused joint accounts of states and local governments.
“Any attempts to divert these funds back to state governments jeopardize the very essence of local government financial autonomy and reflect a disregard for constitutional mandates.
“We implore the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to resist the pressure being exerted by these governors, who appear more concerned with controlling local government finances than with fostering grassroots development and accountability.
“It is imperative that funds allocated for local governments are disbursed directly to and without interference, allowing elected LGAs the freedom to effectively manage their resources, address the needs of their constituents, and contribute to the overall development of their communities.
“The recent assertions by governors about the alleged debts incurred in the name of local governments suggest an attempt to obfuscate their fiscal responsibilities and avoid accountability.
“We stand firmly with the local government authorities against any maneuver aimed at utilizing local government allocations to service debts that do not have the legitimate backing of the councils themselves nor used for their benefits.
“The financial autonomy of local governments is not merely a legal requirement; it is a necessary pathway to empowerment and decentralization, allowing them to fulfill their constitutional roles effectively.
“Moreover, we urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to follow through on its mandate to facilitate the opening of accounts for local governments and expedite the auditing process necessary for the disbursement of funds. Transparency and adherence to the legal framework should take precedence over the interests of state governors.
“As we champion a truly democratic governance structure in Nigeria, we call upon all stakeholders—civil society, local government officials, and citizens—to join us in demanding that the Federal Government fully implements the Supreme Court’s ruling and honors its commitment to local government autonomy.
“Let us ensure that the voices of the people at the grassroots are heard, respected, and empowered. The financial autonomy of our local governments is not just a matter of administrative convenience; it is a fundamental right of our communities that must be defended and upheld with unwavering resolve.”
