Barr. Donald Amamgbo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his firm and statesmanlike stance in defending constitutionalism and strengthening grassroots governance through the financial autonomy of local government councils.
Reacting to the President’s warning to state governors at the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Barr. Amamgbo described the position as timely, courageous, and necessary to halt the long-standing practice of diverting funds meant for local government development.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s ruling directing that local government allocations be paid directly to council accounts is clear, final, and binding. He urged all state governors to respect and fully comply with the judgement in the spirit of the rule of law and cooperative federalism.
“The President has once again demonstrated uncommon leadership by standing on the side of the Constitution and the Nigerian people. Compliance with the Supreme Court ruling is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation. Any attempt to undermine it amounts to disobedience of the highest court in the land,” Barr. Amamgbo stated.
He further aligned with President Tinubu’s assertion that governors, having supervised and conducted local government elections in their respective states, bear responsibility for the councils and must allow them to function effectively with direct access to their statutory allocations.
Amamgbo also used the opportunity to caution local government authorities across the country to rise to the responsibility that comes with financial autonomy. He stressed that once allocations hit LGA treasuries, council chairmen and officials must ensure transparent, prudent, and people-oriented utilisation of funds.
“Financial autonomy must translate to visible development at the grassroots, improved primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, sanitation, and youth empowerment. Nigerians will no longer accept excuses or mismanagement at the local government level,” he added.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders, state governments, local councils, and oversight institutions to support the President’s resolve to strengthen local governance, deepen democracy, and deliver dividends of good governance to the people at the grassroots.
