Senator Shehu Umar Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has praised the Supreme Court’s ruling granting financial autonomy to Local Governments in Nigeria, stating that the decision will reshape politics and governance nationwide.
We reported that the Apex Court’s ruling prevents state governments from accessing the monthly allocations meant for the third tier of government.
In a statement to journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, Buba described the judgment as a welcome development for numerous reasons. He emphasized that “the judgment will be very pleasing to all supporters of democracy and proponents of effective leadership and purposeful governance at the council level.”
As a former local government chairman in Toro council, he noted, “As the Senator representing Bauchi South and a known advocate for financial autonomy for local government councils, I believe the Supreme Court’s decision came at the right time. This judicial intervention allows local governments to directly receive their allocations, enabling smooth, proper, and impactful leadership to address the myriad of challenges facing our people.”
Reflecting on the judgment’s potential impact, he stated, “I can imagine how this judgment will reshape politics and governance in our senatorial district, Bauchi State, and the entire country. As with any meaningful change, there is much more to be done. Political actors and other stakeholders must face this challenge head-on to ensure that the judgment brings significant improvements to the political leadership of our local councils and the lives of the electorate.”
Senator Buba also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and others involved in the steps leading to this historic judgment.
