The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to resist the pressure being exerted by state governors to obstruct the direct disbursement of Federal allocations to Local Government Authorities (LGAs).
The party in a statement issued Tuesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, said its intervention became imperative after reports in the media suggesting governors lobbying the President to undermine democratic process.
The party reiterated its strong commitment to upholding the principles of fiscal autonomy as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and emphasised by the landmark Supreme Court ruling delivered on July 11, 2024.
Muhammed noted that it was disheartening to observe that despite the clear legal framework affirming the financial independence of local governments, some governors are utilising their influence to undermine this critical democratic process.
He recalled that thne Supreme Court’s decision to mandate that federal allocations be directed to the accounts of democratically elected local government councils was aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective use of funds at the grassroots level.
Mohammed added that it was also meant to stop the blatant abuse of local government funds by state governments in the much abused joint accounts of states and local governments.
He stressed that any attempts to divert these funds back to state governments jeopardise the very essence of local government financial autonomy and reflect a disregard for constitutional mandates.
The party added that It was imperative that funds allocated for local governments are disbursed directly to and without interference, allowing elected LGAs the freedom to effectively manage their resources, address the needs of their constituents, and contribute to the overall development of their communities.
Muhammed added: “We implore the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to resist the pressure being exerted by these governors, who appear more concerned with controlling local government finances than with fostering grassroots development and accountability.
“The recent assertions by governors about the alleged debts incurred in the name of local governments suggest an attempt to obfuscate their fiscal responsibilities and avoid accountability.
“The financial autonomy of local governments is not merely a legal requirement; it is a necessary pathway to empowerment and decentralization, allowing them to fulfill their constitutional roles effectively.”
It noted that it stands firmly with the local government authorities against any maneuver aimed at utilising local government allocations to service debts that do not have the legitimate backing of the councils themselves nor used for their benefits.