The presidency has called on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to speak up about the Supreme Court’s decision that grants financial independence to local governments.
President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Obi to follow the example of Atiku Abubakar by acknowledging the significance of the judgment and recognizing the president’s efforts to improve the nation.
On his X page, Onanuga questioned Obi’s silence, highlighting that it has been over 36 hours since the landmark ruling.
He emphasized that a constructive opposition should be able to praise their adversaries when they achieve notable successes.
Read Also:
He wrote: “Why is Peter Obi silent? Over 36 hours have passed since the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling granting financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local councils, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, has not commented on the judgment. His silence suggests a reluctance to acknowledge the Tinubu administration’s positive actions.
“A credible opposition leader must be willing to commend their political opponents for significant achievements. The Tinubu administration has revived the autonomy of local councils through legal means. Even Atiku Abubakar has acknowledged this, albeit reluctantly. Peter Obi should also break his silence and recognize that President Tinubu is contributing to a better Nigeria.”
On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that all federal funds for local government councils must be directly deposited into their accounts.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, leading a seven-member panel, delivered the verdict in a case filed by the federal government against the 36 state governors.
The ruling also prohibits governors from interfering with these funds or dissolving elected local government officials, as such actions violate the 1999 Constitution.
