Rita Odafe
The Nigerian Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Council Worldwide have commended the recent ruling by the Supreme Court which granted full financial autonomy to local government areas.
Representing various youth groups including the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders, Northern Youth Congress, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Middle-Belt Youth Council and North-East Youth Assembly, they emphasized the need for transparency in the management of funds allocated to local governments by governors over the past 25 years.
Citing years of governance interference and financial mismanagement by the governors, the youth leaders lauded the court’s decision as a win for grassroots development and accountability.
The council areas were meant to serve as a direct channel for delivering essential services like healthcare, rural infrastructure, and water supply to the people, a purpose which they believe has been hindered by mismanagement and corruption.
They highlighted the misuse of government-appointed caretakers who often prioritized the interests of the governors over the needs of the communities, draining local resources without tangible development.
Calling for a time of reckoning, the youth leaders urged the governors to be answerable for the significant amounts of public funds allocated to local governments, running into trillions of Naira.
Expressing optimism for a positive change following the Supreme Court’s ruling, they emphasized the importance of seamless implementation and compliance starting from the upcoming allocation period.
While advocating for the newly empowered local government chairmen to showcase tangible progress and impact, they also urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to ensure that future local government elections are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
