By Jubril Bada

The political parties in Ondo State have hailed the judgment of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to local governments.

The Labour Party (LP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) stated this in separate statements issued and signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Ayo Williams, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Egbeola Martins, respectively.

They commended the Apex Court for its courage and wisdom in delivering the judgment.

The State Chairman of LP, Abiodun Agbaje, described the judgment as a welcome development for Nigerian democracy.

Agbaje said truth has finally prevailed and that when the Labour Party takes power in the country, policies and projects that always put the people first will be the hallmark of governance.

He added that the decision of the Supreme Court was highly commendable and a right step in the right direction.

Also, the YPP in its statement referred to the decision of the Supreme Court as a significant milestone in the quest for true federalism and democratic growth.

The party hailed President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for taking the bold step to liberate local governments in Nigeria.

The statement said, “However, we recognize that this judgment is only the first step. We call on the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), and relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to track the allocations and revenues of LGAs to ensure judicious utilization and stem the culture of irresponsibility and corruption associated with the other two tiers of government.

“Furthermore, we demand the immediate commencement of a constitutional amendment for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) by the National Assembly. This is one of the essential steps towards redeeming an institution that has often acted as a rubber stamp rather than representing the people’s interests. This further step will guarantee complete autonomy for LGAs and free them from the stranglehold of governors.

“We urge all Nigerians to take ownership and hold their local government leaders accountable, as they neither have immunity nor are above the law. They can be questioned, arrested, prosecuted, and jailed in cases of impunity, abuse of office, or corruption.”