By Umar Maudo, Comrade, Vocal Fulani Youth Activist
In a landmark development, the Association of Local Governments (ALGON) has announced that all 774 local governments in Nigeria are required to establish dedicated accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This move aims to facilitate the direct distribution of their allocations from the Federation Account, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s decision in 2024.
As a vocal youth activist, I see this development as a significant step towards deepening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting local government autonomy. For too long, local governments have been at the mercy of state governors, who have often diverted funds meant for local development into private pockets.
The decision by ALGON to establish dedicated accounts for local governments is a bold move towards transparency and accountability. With direct access to their allocations, local governments can now prioritize their needs and channel resources into meaningful development projects. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Kashim Shettima
However, some state governors are still reluctant to let go of their control over local government funds. They are maintaining control through their state ministries of local government and chieftaincy. This is unacceptable and undermines the spirit of local government autonomy by raping local government democracy in Nigeria. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed kauran Bauchi.
I call on the Federal Government to take decisive action against any state governor who refuses to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision. The government must ensure that local governments receive their allocations directly and without interference from state governors.
Furthermore, I commend the Federal Government for constituting an anti-corruption team, comprising the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to monitor the accounts of local governments and prevent any illegal diversion of funds.
As young people, we must remain vigilant and demand accountability from our leaders. We must ensure that local government autonomy is not just a rhetoric, but a reality that translates into tangible development projects that benefit our communities. Hon. Ibrahim Dembo Abubakar
In conclusion, the establishment of dedicated accounts for local governments is a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and local government autonomy in Nigeria. As young people, we must continue to advocate for good governance and demand that our leaders prioritize the needs of our communities most especially local government as the close stage to masses in the state.
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