Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, has said the battle for local government autonomy is not over, saying some governors will fight back.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the senator said the National Assembly will amend the constitution to address contentious issues including the conduct of local government elections.
He said the National Assembly would do so to ensure that state governments strictly adhere to the judgement.
The Supreme Court had ruled on Thursday that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
The court also granted autonomy to the local councils, following a suit filed by the federal government on the matter.
Reacting to the judgement, the senator said, “These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Some state governors will fight back. President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective of the fact that he is but a first term President who may desire a comeback in 2027.
“I thank Mr President for mustering the courage to do the right thing. Since 1999, the third tier of government literally speaking, has been nonexistent. State governments treated them as appendages of the state governments. No President, has been able to change that.”
He said President Tinubu has made history following the “landmark judgement” on financial autonomy for local government areas. (Daily Trust)
