APC applauds S’ Court ruling on direct allocation to LGAs

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark decision, issued on Thursday, July 11, 2024, which affirms the right of local government councils to receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation account.

The announcement came through a statement on Friday from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

The APC noted that the rruling ends the proxy system where state governments previously received federal allocations on behalf of local government councils, adding that it represents the most substantial progress toward restructuring Nigeria since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

Stating that the decision marks a significant milestone in the consolidation of democratic federalism in Nigeria, the party added that it practically reinforces the constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government.

“We applaud the Supreme Court for its justified and courageous decision on this critical national issue,” the statement read. “The clarity provided by this ruling will undoubtedly promote further reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local government administration in the country.”

The APC also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and dedication to deepening democracy and transforming local government councils into strongholds for development and efficient service delivery at the grassroots level.

Delivering the judgment, the seven-man panel led by Justice Emmanuel Agim firmly supported the federal government’s position that state governors lack the legal authority to arbitrarily dissolve democratically-elected local government councils and replace them with caretaker committees.

This decisive ruling addresses a widespread practice that has undermined local governance and democratic principles across the country.