Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticized the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy, arguing that it diverts attention from more pressing national issues.
The Supreme Court’s landmark decision, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that it is both illegal and unconstitutional for state governors to receive and control funds allocated to local government areas. The Court denounced this practice as a “dubious” violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that LGAs should have direct access to their funds.
In a video released on Saturday, Governor Makinde addressed the ruling by emphasizing that focusing on local government autonomy is a distraction from critical issues facing Nigeria. He stated, “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have.”
Makinde elaborated on what he sees as the nation’s true challenges: “And the issue that we have is that we are not producing enough. We are not productive. Whatever it is that we are sharing in Abuja, which is what this FAAC is all about, Whatever is in Abuja, share it with the local government. Is that our problem?”
He further expressed his concerns about the broader implications of the ruling, suggesting that the focus on local government financial autonomy could overshadow more immediate concerns such as food insecurity and economic hardship. “Maybe it is a part of the problem, but yes, we want to have value for what is being shared. But our real problem is productivity.”
Makinde concluded by highlighting the urgency of addressing fundamental issues facing the country: “So now this is going to be the discussion for the next maybe one month or so when the issue of hunger and anger in the land will still be under the table. It’s a big issue.”
The Governor criticized the Federal Government’s current approach, noting, “The Federal Government is saying now we need to import food. It’s a big shame. Yes, it’s a big shame on this country. We cannot feed ourselves. And then they are saying we should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and progress.”
