Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the Supreme Court’s judgement granting fiscal autonomy to local government councils in Nigeria.
In a post on his official X page , Atiku described the ruling as a “win for the people of Nigeria” and a “step in the right direction” for national development.
Atiku criticised the Federal Government’s decision to consolidate local council revenues into state government accounts, calling it a “politics of hasty compromise.”
He aligned himself with the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasising that local governments should be centers of development and enjoy fiscal autonomy beyond just revenues from the Federation Accounts.
The former VP also noted that some states have been hindering local councils from generating revenue, and the court’s verdict is a welcome correction.
Atiku praised the Supreme Court for its role in arbitrating between governments and upholding the principles of federalism.
The post reads in full: ”The judgment of the Supreme Court earlier today affirming fiscal autonomy to local government councils in the country is a win for the people of Nigeria.
“The court’s ruling is a step in the right direction and a major corrective action in greasing the wheels of national development across the country.
“The decision by the Federal Government to consolidate disbursements of local councils’ revenues into the state government accounts was a decision that was borne out of politics of hasty compromise.
“I align with the decision of the Supreme Court that the structure of the Nigerian government is portioned in three layers, and of these, the local governments should be centres of development.
“I also share the belief that fiscal autonomy to the local governments should not be limited to revenues from the Federation Accounts, but indeed, should apply to Internally Generated Revenue from the respective local government authorities.
“Many of our states, especially those in the ultra urban areas with high density economic activities, have become notorious in muscling local councils from generating revenue on items that border on motor parks, outdoor advertising, rents and many more.”
“The verdict of the court is in tandem with the core functions of the Supreme Court as an arbitration court between and among governments. -AA”
