.LG Autonomy: The Supreme Court’s Resounding Victory for Democracy In a landmark ruling that reverberated throughout the country, the Supreme Court has reinstated the autonomy of local government councils (LGs), affirming their constitutional status as the third tier of government. This momentous decision has sparked renewed hope for the restoration of democracy at the grassroots level. The crisis began when the Governors of the 36 states dissolved the elected LG councils and replaced them with caretaker committees. This blatant abuse of power was challenged in court, culminating in today’s historic verdict. The Court ruled unanimously that the Governors’ actions contravened the provisions of the Constitution, which confer autonomy on LGs. This landmark judgment reinforces the principles of federalism and decentralization, ensuring that the benefits of democracy are felt in every corner of the nation. The implications of this ruling are profound. It empowers LGs to chart their own course, allocate resources efficiently, and provide essential services to their communities. This will foster grassroots development, promote accountability, and strengthen the foundation of democracy. Furthermore, the Court’s decision serves as a beacon of hope for the rule of law. It demonstrates that no individual or institution is above the Constitution, and that the courts will not tolerate the subversion of democratic principles. This victory is not just a legal triumph but also a triumph for the Nigerian people. It is a testament to the resilience of our democratic institutions and the determination of our citizens to protect their fundamental rights. As we celebrate this milestone, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in safeguarding the autonomy of LGs. We must ensure that their powers are not usurped and that they are given the necessary support to fulfill their mandate. With renewed hope and a strengthened belief in the power of democracy, we can build a nation where all citizens have a voice and where the dividends of good governance reach every doorstep. The Supreme Court’s ruling has restored our faith in the future, and it is now our collective responsibility to seize this opportunity and create a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians.Nigerian Labour Congress Welcomes Supreme Court Ruling on Fiscal Autonomy for Local GovernmentsNigerian Labour Congress Welcomes Supreme Court Ruling on Fiscal Autonomy for Local Governments The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has hailed the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the fiscal autonomy of local government councils across Nigeria. In a statement released on Thursday, NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero lauded the ruling as a restoration of hope in the country’s democracy and judiciary. Ajaero described the verdict as “brave and healthy,” highlighting the “tortuous” journey towards local government freedom. He emphasized the importance of the Supreme Court’s order to make financial allocations directly to local governments and stripping state governments of the power to remove local government executives. Ajaero acknowledged the efforts of the 9th National Assembly, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and President Bola Tinubu in facilitating the landmark ruling. He also commended the role of the Tinubu government in initiating the legal challenge before the Supreme Court. However, Ajaero stressed the need for the full implementation of the ruling and raised concerns about the conduct of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in local government elections. He questioned whether SIECs should continue to hold elections or whether the National Electoral Commission (NEC) should take over. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday stipulated that state governors cannot withhold funds allocated to local governments. The seven-man panel emphasized the division of government power into federal, state, and local branches, and affirmed that local government councils must be elected democratically.The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Local Government autonomy has rekindled hope for the revival of democracy in Nigeria. The apex court, in a unanimous decision, declared that the provisions of Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which granted autonomy to Local Governments in the country, were valid and enforceable. This historic ruling came as a major victory for advocates of local government autonomy, who had long argued that the centralized control of local governments by state governments had stifled development and accountability at the grassroots level. The court’s decision effectively gives Local Governments the legal backing to exercise their functions independently, without undue interference from state authorities. The ruling has been widely hailed as a significant step towards strengthening democracy and improving governance in Nigeria. Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people and play a crucial role in providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation. Autonomy will empower them to better meet the needs of their communities and promote sustainable development. Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s decision is expected to reduce corruption and improve transparency in local government administration. By eliminating the influence of state governments, it creates a system where Local Governments are directly accountable to their electorate. This will make it more difficult for corrupt officials to siphon funds or engage in maladministration. The ruling has also raised hopes for a more just and equitable distribution of resources across the country. With greater fiscal autonomy, Local Governments will be able to invest in infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and address the needs of their communities. This will help to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and promote balanced development. However, the implementation of local government autonomy faces several challenges, including the need for capacity building and the provision of adequate funding. It is important for state governments to cooperate with Local Governments and provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition. The Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy is a watershed moment for democracy in Nigeria. It represents a return to the principles of federalism and a recognition of the importance of grassroots governance. By empowering Local Governments, the ruling has the potential to transform the character of democracy in Nigeria and bring about meaningful development for all citizens.