The former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Ade Dosunmu has hailed the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria for granting autonomy to Local Governments in the country base on the suit brought before it by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Describing it as a landmark judgment that is long overdue but timely, Dosunmu stated that the importance of this decision at this time in our history cannot be over emphasized.
According to a statement he signed and made available to Maritime Bits, the former NIMASA helmsman argued that the apex court judgment will no doubt guarantee the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grass roots as represented by the 774 Local Governments Areas across the country.
Continuing, the public policy expert said: “We now have a well-structured federal system that guarantees the independence of each tier of government like it is obtainable in other federal jurisdictions all over the world. State governors are advised to take it in good faith and see this as a sacrifice they need to make for the advancement of our democracy.
“To the Local Government chairmen, it should be seen as a call for accountability and more dedication to duty, because to whom much is given, much is expected. My advice to Nigerians who live in the 774 local governments is to get involved and demand for accountability from their local government chairmen”
He argued that there must be robust civic engagement by the residents of the local governments on how funds allocated are utilized and monitor how projects are implemented.
“I congratulate and commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for this bold and audacious initiative leading to this historic judgment that has opened new vistas of opportunities for Nigerians as we consolidate our democratic journey . God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he added.
