The United Nigerians Against Crimes (UNAC), a coalition of concerned citizens, has expressed deep concern over the recent Supreme Court judgement on local government financial autonomy.
Their concern was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Abdullahi Y. Bayawo, Director General of United Nigerians Against Crimes, and made available to News About Nigeria on Wednesday night.
The UNAC members said it concluded after a thorough review that the judgement is incomplete and requires further examination.
“Granting local government chairmen financial autonomy without political autonomy is unrealistic,” said Dr. Abdullahi Y. Bayawo, Director General of UNAC.
The UNAC asked the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to seek an urgent interpretation of the judgement at the Supreme Court.
The governors’ authority over the appointment of State Electoral Commissioners, who conduct local government area elections, undermines the effectiveness of financial autonomy.
Additionally, the organisation called on the National Assembly to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections for the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The organisation warns that any governor who attempts to undermine the judgement will face decisive action.
“We will not tolerate any governor who fails to respect the people’s right to local government autonomy,” said Dr. Bayawo.
UNAC reassures peace-loving Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding, as they will be monitoring all actions taken by governors in their respective states.
The UNAC advised all Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding while urging those in authority to take immediate action to rectify the anomaly.
“True democracy can only be achieved when power is devolved and accountability is ensured,” added Dr. Bayawo.
