The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP has expressed concern over the reported lobbying efforts by State Governors of the President aimed at obstructing the direct disbursement of Federal allocations to Local Government Authorities, LGAs.
The party in a statement issued Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, reiterated its strong commitment to upholding the principles of fiscal autonomy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and emphasized by the landmark Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024.
He said: “It is disheartening to observe that, despite the clear legal framework affirming the financial independence of Local Governments, some of our emperor State Governors are utilizing their influence to undermine this critical democratic process.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to mandate that federal allocations be directed to the accounts of democratically elected local government councils was aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds at the grassroots level.
“It is also meant to stop the blatant abuse of local government funds by state governments in the much abused joint accounts of states and local governments.
“Any attempts to divert these funds back to state governments jeopardise the very essence of local government financial autonomy and reflect a disregard for constitutional mandates.”
The party added that it was imperative that funds allocated for local governments are disbursed directly to and without interference, allowing elected LGAs the freedom to effectively manage their resources, address the needs of their constituents, and contribute to the overall development of their communities.
It noted that it stands firmly with the local government authorities against any maneuver aimed at utilising local government allocations to service debts that do not have the legitimate backing of the councils themselves nor used for their benefits.
