THE NASARAWA State House of Assembly has commended the Supreme Court over its judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in the country.
The commendation followed a matter of urgent public importance presented by Musa Ibrahim, during plenary on Monday in Lafia.
Ibrahim, who represents Doma North constituency of the state and chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, noted that the judgment would promote ‘even’ development at the grassroots.
Corroborating Ibrahim, speaker of the assembly, Mr Danladi Jatau, said that financial autonomy would ensure speedy and steady development in rural communities across the country.
Jatau further described the apex court’s judgement as “victory for democracy”.
The speaker thanked President Bola Tinubu and the 36 governors, for accepting the decision of the apex court on the matter, adding that such move would further strengthen the nation’s democracy.
“This assembly aligns itself with the supreme court judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in the country.
“We congratulate Nigerians and indeed all lovers of democracy for this laudable feat.
“This will attract more dividends of democracy to our people at the grassroot; there will be improved standard of living among rural dwellers.
“Chairmen of local governments can now execute critical capital projects and initiate programmes that will better the living standard of the people,” the speaker said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Apex court on Thursday, July 11, granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.
The supreme court, in suit No: SC/CV/343/2004, ordered the federal government to immediately commence direct payment of local government funds to area councils. (NAN)
