Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Factional Secretary-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has praised the Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria. Isiguzoro stated that the ruling, delivered on Thursday, represents a significant milestone for democracy in the country.
He noted that the Igbo community welcomes the decision as it curtails the unchecked control and mismanagement of local government funds by state governors. He emphasized the crucial need for the effective implementation of the verdict to prevent further embezzlement and diversion of local government allocations.
In a statement issued on Friday, Isiguzoro stressed the importance of constitutionally empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee local government elections. He stated, “This will ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process, preventing governors from manipulating State Independent Electoral Commissions to place their loyalists in positions of power for personal gain.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged Southeast governors to embrace the Supreme Court’s ruling and act accordingly. Isiguzoro called for the organization of free, fair, and credible local government elections in the region’s 95 local government areas to strengthen democratic governance and address security challenges at the grassroots level.
He warned against any attempts to circumvent the Supreme Court’s judgment, emphasizing that such actions would be closely monitored and met with resistance from the vigilant Nigerian and Igbo populace.
Ohanaeze called for the immediate conduct of local government elections in the Southeast and urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the National Assembly to empower INEC to oversee the process nationwide. He highlighted the necessity of curbing the longstanding impunity and corruption perpetuated by state governors, ensuring local government funds are utilized for the benefit of the communities they serve.
Isiguzoro cautioned Southeast governors against further delay or deviation from the Supreme Court’s directive, warning that non-compliance would result in legal action and severe repercussions. He concluded by reaffirming Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and fighting against corruption and malfeasance at all levels of government. He called on all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy.
