Falana Optimistic About Accountability Following Supreme Court’s LG Autonomy Ruling

Falana Optimistic About Accountability Following Supreme Court’s LG Autonomy Ruling

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has urged Nigerians to actively oversee local government activities following a significant Supreme Court decision. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, mandates direct federal payments to local government accounts, reinforcing their financial autonomy…….. CONTINUE READING

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Falana stressed the role of public vigilance in ensuring political stability and security. He emphasized, “The judgment will advance accountability if Nigerians take ownership of the system and monitor local, state, and federal government officials.”

Falana welcomed the decision, clarifying its aim to enhance grassroots accountability without diminishing state governments’ influence. He recounted the long struggle for local government autonomy, dating back to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and highlighted past Supreme Court interventions against fund seizures by state governments.

However, Falana cautioned that despite autonomy, state governments still control local political structures, potentially manipulating elections. He concluded that the ruling’s success hinges on public engagement and monitoring of government activities at all levels.