The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a heated debate following the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on local government autonomy.
On Sunday, the PDP expressed concerns that the ruling could lead to complications, while the APC accused the opposition party of undermining democratic progress.
The Supreme Court’s decision on July 11, 2024, mandates that Nigeria’s 36 state governors no longer control funds allocated to the 774 local government areas.
The court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, grants local governments financial independence and declares that only elected local governments, not appointed caretaker committees, are valid.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, warned of potential negative impacts on the public.
“The law is the law and when there is a conflict, yes, we should go to the court.
But it behooves us to look for our own homegrown solutions that can ensure that we have transparency and that our people do not suffer,” Makinde said, stressing that “when two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that will suffer.”
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba addressed a press conference in Abuja, indicating that the party is still evaluating the implications of the judgment.
“Our concern is that creating a new bureaucracy for local governments could lead to increased manipulation by the Federal Government.
Reforms should be done in consultation with the governors, not imposed unilaterally,” Ologunagba remarked.
He added, “The Federal Government does not interact directly with local issues; the state governments do. Thus, any changes should enhance the role of state governments rather than diminish it.”
In response, APC National Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed the PDP’s stance as misguided and an attempt to revert progress.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is final. The PDP’s delay in addressing this issue and their objection to empowering local governments reveals a desire to perpetuate corruption,” Ibrahim stated.
Ibrahim criticized the PDP for opposing reforms intended to enhance democratic governance.
“It is a shame that the PDP, despite being in opposition, rejects measures that empower the people. Their position is not just opposition but an attempt to stifle democratic advancement,” he said.
As both parties continue to debate the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling, the future of local government autonomy in Nigeria remains a contentious issue.
