Citypost News Desk
Barrister Donald Amamgbo has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his firm stance on constitutionalism and grassroots development, urging state governors to comply fully with the Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy.
Amamgbo gave the commendation while reacting to President Tinubu’s warning to governors at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the President cautioned against the diversion of funds meant for local government councils.
He described the President’s position as timely and courageous, noting that it was necessary to end the long-standing practice of withholding or diverting allocations meant for development at the grassroots.
According to Amamgbo, the Supreme Court judgement mandating direct payment of federal allocations to local government council accounts is clear, final, and binding on all tiers of government. He stressed that governors must respect and implement the ruling in line with the rule of law and the principles of cooperative federalism.
He noted that President Tinubu’s insistence on compliance reflects uncommon leadership and a commitment to protecting the Constitution and the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
Amamgbo also aligned with the President’s position that governors, having supervised and conducted local government elections in their respective states, bear responsibility for the councils and must allow them to operate effectively with unhindered access to their statutory funds.
The legal practitioner further cautioned local government authorities to live up to expectations following the grant of financial autonomy. He urged council chairmen and officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and judicious use of funds once allocations are received.
According to him, financial autonomy must translate into tangible development at the grassroots, including improvements in primary healthcare, basic education, rural infrastructure, sanitation, and youth empowerment.
He concluded by calling on state governments, local councils, and relevant oversight institutions to support President Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen local governance, deepen democracy, and ensure that the dividends of good governance reach communities across the country.
