By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Yewa North local government Branch has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for their roles in upholding local government autonomy through the recent Supreme Court ruling.
According to the branch coordinator, Comrade Fatolu Ganiyu O. in a statement on Saturday, 13th of July, 2024, the landmark decision, which declares it unconstitutional for state governments to withhold funds allocated to local governments, marks a significant victory for grassroots development and democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said, “Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people and play a crucial role in delivering essential services, fostering development, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. By ensuring that funds meant for local governments are disbursed directly and utilized appropriately, the Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the autonomy and effectiveness of local governance.
“As the mouthpiece of the youths of Yewa North Local Government, we recognize the far-reaching implications of this ruling for local communities across the nation. This decision will ensure that local governments have direct access to their statutory allocations, enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities and implement development projects that directly benefit the people, especially the youth.
“We applaud President Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to strengthening local governance and applaud the legal acumen of the Attorney General, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in presenting a compelling case before the Supreme Court.
“This ruling aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Nigerian youth for transparent, accountable, and effective local governance. It will undoubtedly enhance the capacity of local governments to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructure development, and basic service delivery.
“The NYCN Yewa North local Branch calls on all stakeholders, particularly state governments, to respect and implement this ruling in letter and spirit. We also urge local government authorities to utilize this opportunity to prioritize youth-centric development initiatives.
“We remain committed to partnering with our local government in ensuring that the benefits of this landmark ruling translate into tangible improvements in the lives of young people and all residents of Yewa North.
“Once again, we express our profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for their unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the development of local communities”.