The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to immediately dissolve the Caretaker Committees across the 23 local government councils in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment, NewsNGR reports.
The party praised the ruling, which grants full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils and prohibits state governors from arbitrarily dissolving elected councils in favor of caretaker administrations.
PDP state publicity secretary Bemgba Iortyom emphasized that the state government must adhere to this ruling, noting that Governor Alia previously dissolved the elected councils upon taking office, disregarding court decisions to the contrary.
The PDP viewed the Supreme Court’s judgment as a significant victory for democracy and aligns itself with the widespread public celebration of the decision.
They argued that opposing the ruling is tantamount to being against democracy itself.
The party expressed confidence in the judiciary’s role as a protector of the common man and hailed the local government autonomy judgment as a reinforcement of this role.
They urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional amendments that would grant full administrative autonomy to local governments, freeing them from the control of state governments, which they argue hinders grassroots development.
PDP also reminded Governor Alia of his campaign promise to grant local government autonomy and suggested that he view the Supreme Court ruling as an opportunity to fulfill that commitment, despite his previous opposition alongside other governors to the federal government’s pursuit of similar autonomy.