ABUJA/Nigeria: The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has hailed the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria, asserting that this landmark decision could resolve more than half of the country’s challenges.
Speaking exclusively to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday, NULGE’s National President, Ambali Olatunji, expressed profound satisfaction with the court’s verdict. The ruling, which prohibits state governors from withholding funds meant for local administrations, has been lauded by Olatunji as a crucial step towards financial integrity and transparency at the grassroots level.
“We believe that with the local government autonomy judgment, over 50 per cent of Nigerian problems have been fixed,” remarked Olatunji, emphasizing the transformative potential of the ruling. “This decision marks a new era of freedom and development for our nation.”
Echoing sentiments of hope and progress, Olatunji underscored the significance of ensuring accountability in all financial dealings within LGAs. “We will be collaborating closely with anti-corruption agencies to foster growth and development,” he affirmed, reflecting on the culmination of a 15-year struggle for autonomy.
The Supreme Court’s verdict, declared on Thursday, has sparked optimism within NULGE, heralding what many perceive as a long-awaited triumph and a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s governance landscape.
