Atiku local government autonomy…

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has promised to ensure the direct release of funds allocated to the 774 local government areas if elected in 2027.

Atiku made the pledge in a statement issued on Tuesday, by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, who said the former vice president would restore financial autonomy to local governments and uphold the rule of law.

He cited the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments, which directed that funds due to the 774 councils should be paid directly to them.

However, Okonkwo accused the Tinubu administration of failing to enforce the judgment, alleging that political considerations had influenced the government’s handling of the ruling.

“Atiku Abubakar believes that Nigeria should be governed by the rule of law, and as president, he will uphold the rule of law and build a truly federal Nigeria where every tier of government enjoys the constitutional independence it deserves,” Okonkwo said.

He alleged that the federal government has been reluctant to confront state governors over their control of local government finances.

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The ADC spokesperson further claimed, without providing evidence, that funds meant for local governments were being used as political inducements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“This is not the Nigeria we should accept,” he said. According to him, an Atiku administration would respect court judgments and ensure that public funds were channelled to the level of government for which they were appropriated.

The statement quoted Atiku as saying: “My administration will respect court judgments, protect local government autonomy, ensure that public funds reach the people for whom they are meant, and restore true federalism.”

The former vice president said granting local governments direct access to their funds would improve service delivery and accelerate development at the grassroots.

He also linked local government financial autonomy to poverty reduction and improved security, arguing that financially independent councils would have greater capacity to respond to crime and terrorism within their jurisdictions.

“This move will ensure that development is brought to the grassroots, reduce poverty at the level of government nearest to the people, and guarantee financial independence to the local governments which will increase their capacity to fight crimes and terrorism at that level,” Atiku said.

The ADC presidential candidate further said democratic governance must be anchored on respect for the judiciary and adherence to the constitutional responsibilities of the three tiers of government.

“Nigeria must be governed by laws, not by political convenience,” Atiku said.