The All Progressives Congress (APC) South East Organizing Secretary, Mr Dozie Ikedife (Jnr) has praised the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.
The APC chieftain who spoke to Our Correspondent in Nnewi, weekend, described the ruling as a welcome development and maintained that dividends of democracy could then get to the grassroots for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democratic ideals, adding that his approach to governance is exemplary.
“I am delighted that finally the APC-led Federal Government of Senator Bola Tinubu through the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Autonomy of the third tier of government will finally force Governor Soludo of Anambra State to conduct local government area elections.
“Governor Soludo, will despite his lies, conduct LGA elections which he promised to do in six months from assumption of office but failed to do so.
“I wish to congratulate President Tinubu for this bold step in using the court to enforce the constitution of our country.
“Anambra voters are excited and we in the APC are happy with this new development as Anambra citizens will exercise their franchise to elect their council Chairmen and councilors, “he said.
He thanked Mr President for what he described as his good intentions for Nigerians and for approaching the apex court through the Attorney General and Minister for Justice.
Mr Ikedife affirmed that the ruling had set the tone for the emancipation of the third tier level of government that is closer to the people.
He equally used the medium to urge Mr President to ensure full implementation of the court ruling, particularly the aspect that relates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) conducting the forthcoming local government elections across the affected twenty States and not State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC).
Mr Ikedife noted that the constitution had expressly enshrined the existence of a democratically elected local government system which he noted was well guaranteed and wondered why caretaker committee arrangement was adopted by Governor Soludo and payments being channeled through state government to local government.
He noted that democracy begins at the local government level and should, therefore, be given a chance to perform and serve people at the grassroots.
He said that Nigerians should be clapping hands for Mr President for coming to the rescue of local government administration for the interest of the Nigerian masses.
“When we talk about local government system that is where governance starts. I’m happy that even the Governors, you know, are even part of what is happening today. Because no Governor will tell me that he is not happy about this local government autonomy.
“This ruling highlights the judiciary’s dedication to preserving the best interests of citizens and the rule of law as enshrined in our Constitution. Local governments are crucial to our democratic system and preserving their autonomy is essential to quickening the pace of development.
“As evidenced by the bold decision to approach the Court, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to enshrining true democratic principles and enabling government at all levels to better address the needs of our people.
“The President’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law is exemplary and highly commendable, “he added.
He also called on citizens to take advantage of the ruling by participating in local government elections and by holding their leaders to account.
“I hereby urge all citizens including in my home state, Anambra, to seize the moment by actively participating in community development efforts and local government elections, and also hold their leaders accountable.
“Increased transparency and improved service delivery at the local level depend on active civic engagement. All hands must now be on deck to ensure that this ruling translates to improved local government administration in the 774 LGAs across the federation,”Ikedife added.
It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had on Thursday granted full financial autonomy to local government areas, directing the federal government to pay allocations due to them directly to local government councils from the Federation Account while exempting those without elected councils.
