Labour Party (LP) has described the ruling of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy as victory for democracy.
Labour Party said the Supreme Court decision was long in coming but “it is better late than never“.
LP’s statement comes as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, accused former LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of silence and failure to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling.
Labour Party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, said the ruling has put to rest the debate on financial and political autonomy for council areas.
“We at the Labour Party (LP) welcome the Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to Local Government Councils in the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory.
“This decision was long in coming but like a saying goes, it is better late than never.
“It has put to rest the debate as to whether or not local government areas that are the closest level of government to the ordinary people deserve to enjoy some form of autonomy to address challenges facing the masses within their jurisdiction.
“We can now safely say local government areas now have greater freedom to initiate and complete projects which will reduce suffering at the grassroots,” LP said.
Ifoh advised council chairmen to exercise responsibility in utilizing funds from federal allocations. Labour Party called on councilors to hold council chairmen accountable.
“This autonomy comes with a huge responsibility on local government councils just as councilors now owe their constituents a duty to hold local government chairmen accountable by ensuring prudent management of their resources.
“The expectation of Nigerians from the local government administration now is simple.
“They each must now take up the challenge of this new found independence to ensure judicious use of public funds in their custody.
“We would also like to urge council chairmen not to see the additional inflow of public funds as an opportunity to engage in reckless spending and embarking on white elephant projects which can negate the whole essence of the financial autonomy granted them,” the statement read.