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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has rubbished Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, saying it’s a distraction from the hunger and other more urgent issues confronting the nation.
Recall that the apex court, in a landmark ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGAs in their states.
It maintained that the “dubious practice,” which has gone on for over two decades, was a clear violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
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In a video released on Saturday, Makinde highlighted the imperative to tackle the fundamental issues of productivity, hunger, and discontent in Nigeria.
His words: “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have.
“And the issue that we have is that we are not producing enough. We are not productive. Whatever it is that we are sharing in Abuja, which is what this FACC is all about, Whatever is in Abuja, share it with the local government. Is that our problem?
“Maybe it is a part of the problem, but yes, we want to have value for what is being shared. But our real problem is productivity.
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“So now this is going to be the discussion for the next maybe one month or so when the issue of hunger and anger in the land will still be under the table. It’s a big issue.
“The Federal Government is saying now we need to import food. It’s a big shame. Yes, it’s a big shame on this country. We cannot feed ourselves. And then they are saying we should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and progress.”
I’m certain This video is doctored 😭😤
My very own Seyi makinde don carry me trabaye.Mr Governor should just say the video is AI 🤖 pic.twitter.com/578PpxDsTh
— Ainà Dipo 🇳🇬 (@dipoaina1) July 13, 2024
Meanwhile, an erstwhile Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the restructuring of the country is total.
George, who gave kudos to the Supreme Court on its ruling on Local Government autonomy, said the judiciary has, once again, proved that it is the last hope of the common man.
In a statement on Saturday, the PDP leader tasked the President to ensure a complete overhaul of the polity.
According to the statement, “Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement stopping State Governments from retaining and using funds meant for the third tier of government – councils – is not only victory for democracy but a big boost for Nigeria’s political and economic development.
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“The apex court was precise and unambiguous in its verdict: Allocations to Local Governments must be paid directly from the Federation Account to councils governed by democratically elected officials.
“”The judiciary has, once again, proved that it is the last hope of the common man.”
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George said the courageous verdict from the apex court would have far-reaching implications for the growth of democracy in world’s most populous black country and Africa’s biggest democracy.
He equally said that the verdict would also boost democratic principles at the local level and foster transparency.
“I also read President Bola Tinubu’s statement hailing the verdict and talking about restructuring. I want to advise the President that he must go further because what Nigerians want is a complete overhaul of the polity.
“That is the only way Nigeria can work. Nigerians want total restructuring,” he added.
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