Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has labelled the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy as a distraction from the more urgent issues confronting the nation.
Recall that the apex court, in a landmark ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive and seize funds allocated to LGAs in their states.
It maintained that the “dubious practice,” which has gone on for over two decades, was a clear violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In a video released on Saturday, Makinde highlighted the imperative to tackle the fundamental issues of productivity, hunger, and discontent in Nigeria.
His words: “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have.
“And the issue that we have is that we are not producing enough. We are not productive. Whatever it is that we are sharing in Abuja, which is what this FACC is all about, Whatever is in Abuja, share it with the local government. Is that our problem?
“Maybe it is a part of the problem, but yes, we want to have value for what is being shared. But our real problem is productivity.
“So now this is going to be the discussion for the next maybe one month or so when the issue of hunger and anger in the land will still be under the table. It’s a big issue.
“The Federal Government is saying now we need to import food. It’s a big shame. Yes, it’s a big shame on this country. We cannot feed ourselves. And then they are saying we should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and progress.”
