Former spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party presidential campaign, Daniel Bwala, has commended the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling granting financial autonomy to local government areas.
In a statement, Bwala welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it was a significant step towards ensuring good governance in Nigeria.
He, however, emphasized the need for further action, calling for a verdict that would mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct local government elections.
Bwala expressed concerns that without INEC’s involvement, state governors might still exert control over local government funds through their appointed chairmen.
Taking to X, he criticized governors for their handling of federal allocation funds, questioning their use of these resources to address hunger and unemployment in their states.
The Supreme Court’s ruling declared it unconstitutional for state governments to withhold federal allocation funds from local government areas, paving the way for direct payment to LGAs.
Bwala’s comments highlight the need for continued efforts towards ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
Bwala wrote on X, “Thank God for the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy to the effect that it is unconstitutional for state governments to hold onto LG funds; henceforth FGN pays directly to LGAs.
“One victory down. The next is either a constitutional review or court verdict declaring that INEC to conduct LG elections, otherwise governors might still use LG chairmen appointed by them to hold the monies in trust for them.
“Governors are the problem of good governance, but many people don’t know. Do you know how much they have received since @officialABAT took office? Tell me what they are doing in their states to address hunger and unemployment?
“In my opinion even media houses hardly stay long on this conversation because their major clients are state governments. This democracy requires all of us to move it forward ohh. There is God.”
