Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West and Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, has pledged that the National Assembly will ensure that state governments comply fully with the Supreme Court’s judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.
Speaking to the press in Abuja on Saturday, Senator Karimi also promised that the National Assembly would address and amend the constitution to tackle contentious issues related to the matter.
Senator Karimi highlighted the importance of transferring the responsibility for conducting local council elections from state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He emphasized that this transfer is one of the key issues that need constitutional amendments to ensure smooth governance at the local level.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in enabling the judiciary to function independently, which led to this landmark judgment.
According to Senator Karimi, President Tinubu deserves to be honored in the nation’s “Hall of Fame” for his courage and determination to address a long-standing issue that previous administrations had failed to resolve since 1999.
Karimi noted that since 1999, local governments have been treated as extensions of state governments, rendering them practically nonexistent.
He praised President Tinubu for restoring local government autonomy, which he believes will lead to better governance and improved living conditions for the masses.
“Within one year, President Tinubu has returned the local government to the owners—the masses,” Karimi stated, adding that effective local government operations are crucial for the well-being of the people.
The Senator assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment by state governments.
This includes taking up the responsibility of amending the constitution to address contentious issues such as transferring the responsibility for conducting local council elections to INEC.
Senator Karimi also acknowledged that some state governors might resist this change, as it curtails their control over local governments.
However, he expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s dedication to the masses, describing him as a man of courage who understands the needs and desires of the people.
He blasts former President Buhari for promising but failing to address this issue due to a lack of political will and presence of mind.
“I align myself with the President on this. It takes a man of the people, it takes a man of courage, it takes a man that knows and feels the pulse of the masses to make this to happen. he has seen it all, as a former Senator and a former Governor. Former President Buhari promised to push this but lacked the presence of mind and political will to pursue it.”
Senator Karimi emphasized that the National Assembly, through its oversight responsibilities, would ensure that federal revenues are allocated properly among the three tiers of government and that the Supreme Court judgment is implemented fully.
Looking ahead, Senator Karimi stressed the importance of conducting local government elections through INEC to ensure that credible and capable individuals are elected.
He called for amendments to the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution to facilitate this process.
By electing experienced and capable leaders, local governments can effectively manage funds and prioritize grassroots development, thereby involving the masses in shaping the future of their communities.
