RMAFC Chairman lauds President Tinubu for S’Court judgement on LG autonomy
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Muhammed Shehu Bello OFR, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his instrumental role in the recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the autonomy of Local Government Councils in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on Friday, Shehu praised the President’s foresight, emphasizing that the judgement is a significant milestone for grassroots governance.
During a sensitization meeting held at the Commission’s auditorium, Shehu addressed members of the Board and management staff, recalling the historical importance of Local Government Chairmen. He highlighted how, in the past, the autonomy of local governments allowed them to play a crucial role in grassroots development, making the positions of Local Government Chairmen and Councilors highly sought after by credible individuals.
Shehu expressed strong support for the Supreme Court’s decision, asserting that it is a positive development for the RMAFC and the grassroots across Nigeria. “In the 70s, local governments were so powerful that former Federal Commissioners would return to contest for elections at the local level,” Shehu noted.
He lamented the current situation where state governors wield significant control over local governments, undermining their autonomy. “We must move away from that,” he stated, backing the bold actions taken by President Tinubu and the Attorney General in achieving this landmark judgement.
Shehu urged Nigerians to be patient and understand the government’s decision, stressing that it is in the nation’s best interest. He emphasized the importance of democratic governance, noting that it provides a system where no single individual can unilaterally dictate outcomes.
Barrister Mohammed Abdul, Esq., a seasoned legal expert and consultant to the Commission, provided a detailed analysis of the Supreme Court judgement. He underscored the constitutional significance of the ruling, which reaffirms the financial independence and operational authority of local governments. Abdul called for adherence to the judgement by all tiers of government to promote transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
Abdul acknowledged that the judgement was controversial, given the varying perspectives on local government autonomy. However, he emphasized that Section 7 of the constitution recognizes local governments as a distinct tier of government, and for funds to reach the grassroots, local governments must participate in the sharing of revenue from the Federation Account. He pointed out that the previous practice of state governors controlling these funds had led to infringements that undermined local government operations.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session, where members of the Commission discussed the implications of the judgement on fund allocation to local governments and the steps needed to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Commission, Nwaze Joseph Okechukwu, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fully implementing the principles of local government autonomy as directed by the Supreme Court.
He encouraged the Board members and staff to apply the knowledge gained from the sensitization meeting to improve governance and resource distribution across all levels of government. The RMAFC, he assured, remains dedicated to promoting fiscal efficiency and supporting sustainable development and good governance nationwide.
