The Concerned Citizens of North East, CCNE, has described the Supreme Court judgment mandating the immediate release of funds allocated to Local Government Areas as a monumental victory for the people at the grassroots.
The Secretary-General of CCNE, Babangida Muhammad, said this in a statement on Thursday in Gombe, stressing that the verdict signified a renewed commitment to decentralization and local governance.
The group said the decision enabled the LGAs to receive the financial resources necessary for development and governance to reinforce the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
It added that the apex court’s judgment addressed the longstanding issue of funds misallocation and diversion, which has significantly truncated development efforts at the grassroots level.
“By upholding the constitutional provision that guarantees direct allocation of funds to LGAs, the court has taken a decisive step towards empowering local authorities and fostering sustainable development in the region,” CCNE said.
The group urged local government officials to utilize the funds transparently and efficiently, prioritizing projects that would have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the residents.
“We will continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of the people in our region, and we will monitor the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote accountability and good governance at all levels in the region,” it said.