The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed optimism over the prospects of good governance at the local council level following the Supreme Court‘s decision to abolish the state and local government joint account.
CUPP’s National Secretary, Mr. Peter Ameh, argued that the decision by the apex court will surely promote accountability at the third tier of government.
The CUPP scribe contended that with the latest development, anti-graft outfits like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) can now focus on the usage of funds allocated to the local councils.
The CUPP agrees with the Supreme Court that state governors have constituted themselves as dangerous species to the development of democracy in Nigeria, especially as it relates to the management of local council funds.
“By this judgment, the suffering masses have been unshackled financially from the governors who have been holding them hostage since 1999 as a result of their warped interpretation of Section 162(6) of the 1999 Constitution as Amended,” it noted.
“With this judgment of the Supreme Court, it is hoped that meaningful development will begin to trickle down and be seen in the rural areas, as the inhabitants of all the local governments who hitherto had no access to their almighty governors will now know who to hold accountable for misappropriated funds accruing to their local government and abuse of office by those in charge at that level.
“CUPP also hopes that the financial autonomy granted to the local governments by this judgment will be the first step towards the devolution of powers, and shall be accelerated to include fiscal federalism so that every component state in the federation will see the need to think outside the box, go to work, and stop this monthly beggarly allocation to the states and local governments.
“All states have what it takes to survive on their own and become self-sufficient in generating resources if the political will is given a priority.”
