Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, while announcing a 90-day delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow for further discussion and planning.
Makinde also set up two committees to review the ruling and develop a plan for implementation that prioritizes transparency and the needs of the people.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, Makinde identified a “lacuna” between the Supreme Court’s decision and the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a home-grown solution that ensures transparency and accountability.
He highlighted the challenges posed by the ruling, including the confusion created by the court’s declaration that only 774 LGAs are recognized in Nigeria.
Makinde emphasized that the state’s priority is growth and development, not just sharing allocation.
He cited the local government’s N55 billion debt in pension and gratuities and the need to develop infrastructure to boost the economy and living standards.
The governor therefore constituted two committees to review the specifics of the ruling and propose a detailed implementation plan that balances constitutional requirements with practical considerations.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, clarified that the committees have four to six weeks to conclude their review and make recommendations. However, the state has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment.
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