POHAN Hails Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgement on Local Government Autonomy
The Public Office Holders Association of Nigeria (POHAN) today lauded the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement granting full autonomy to local governments across the nation. In a statement to the media, the National President of POHAN, Dr. MD Eseyin, praised the Federal Government for its political will in initiating this crucial case at a time when local governments in Nigeria are grappling with numerous challenges, including finance, tenure, and independence to function as the third tier of government as enshrined in the constitution.
Dr. Eseyin highlighted that the judgement addresses the critical issue of financial autonomy, a significant step towards ensuring that local governments have the necessary resources to operate effectively and deliver essential services to the grassroots. He emphasized that with financial autonomy now secured, it is imperative for the Federal Government to take further steps to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections. This, he stated, would ensure complete transparency and fairness in the electoral process at the local level.
Furthermore, Dr. Eseyin called for the strengthening of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). He noted that ALGON can now play a more significant role in policy formulation through peer reviews, monitoring, and capacity building initiatives aimed at fostering grassroots development. By enhancing ALGON’s capabilities, local governments can work collaboratively to address common challenges and drive sustainable development across the country.
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“This landmark judgement is a victory for democracy and good governance. It provides a solid foundation for local governments to operate independently and efficiently, ultimately leading to improved service delivery and development at the grassroots,” said Dr. Eseyin.
POHAN reiterates its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the autonomy and effectiveness of local governments in Nigeria. The association believes that with the right policies and frameworks in place, local governments can significantly contribute to the nation’s development goals.
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