Asiwaju Mandate Group Commends Tinubu, Calls for INEC to Oversee Local Government Elections

NEWZURBAN- Asiwaju Mandate Group Commends Tinubu, Calls for INEC to Oversee Local Government Elections

Osogbo, Nigeria – The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), a socio-political organization, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his pivotal role in securing financial autonomy for Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria. 

The commendation follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, which declared that local governments should independently manage their funds, free from state government control. This decision mandates the Federal Government to allocate funds directly to the 774 local government councils, aiming to strengthen democratic governance at the grassroots level and eliminate undue state-level interference.

In response to the ruling, AMG has urged the National Assembly to enact legislation enabling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections. The group believes this will further bolster the autonomy and democratic integrity of local governments.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized that the Supreme Court's judgment takes immediate effect, describing it as an “emancipation” for LGAs from historical constraints. He also stressed the necessity for state governors to comply with the ruling, warning of stipulated consequences for non-compliance.

In a statement signed by AMG's Director General, Mr. Olumuyiwa Asagunla, and Publicity Secretary, Ayodeji Ologun, the group expressed its appreciation for President Tinubu and Attorney General Fagbemi's decisive actions. “This ruling is a significant victory for democracy and local governance. We commend President Bola Tinubu and Attorney General Fagbemi for their unwavering commitment to upholding the constitution and ensuring that Local Governments can operate independently and effectively,” the statement read.

AMG highlighted the importance of the electorate being mindful of the character, exposure, and capacity of those who would lead their local governments to ensure comprehensive development. “With financial autonomy, Local Governments can now address the unique needs of their communities without undue interference,” the group added.

The Supreme Court's ruling addressed several critical issues, including the illegal dissolution of democratically elected local governments by governors and the barring of federal government practices that involved paying local government allocations through state governments due to past misuse.

AMG concluded by calling on the National Assembly to enact laws empowering INEC to conduct local government elections across Nigeria's 774 LGAs, reinforcing democratic governance and accountability at the local level.