President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, long before his ascension to the presidency, was an ardent advocate for restructuring Nigeria to better serve its diverse population and enhance governance at all levels. His tenure so far has demonstrated a willingness and determination to advance this cause, with a significant milestone achieved on July 10, 2024, when the Supreme Court of Nigeria pronounced the fiscal independence of local governments. This historic ruling is a testament to President Tinubu’s resolve to address longstanding governance issues and empower grassroots administration.
The issue of local government fiscal autonomy has plagued Nigeria for decades, stymying development and reducing the effectiveness of governance at the local level. Previous administrations paid lip service to this critical aspect of restructuring, but it took the bold and strategic leadership of President Tinubu to bring about a tangible resolution. By taking the states to the highest court in the land, the federal government under his leadership has shown an unyielding commitment to reform and modernization.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point in Nigerian federalism. It reaffirms the importance of decentralizing power and resources, ensuring that local governments can function independently and effectively. This ruling is expected to catalyze development at the grassroots level, allowing local governments to better serve their communities through improved service delivery and infrastructure development.
President Tinubu’s action in this regard has not only advanced the restructuring agenda but has also showcased a model of bold and decisive leadership. By addressing the fiscal autonomy of local governments, he has paved the way for a more equitable distribution of resources, fostering economic growth and political stability across the nation.
The Yoruba Initiative proudly identifies with President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and urges him to continue making bold steps towards comprehensive restructuring. This landmark achievement should be the first in a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Nigerian politics and governance. The Initiative envisions a Nigeria where competitive modernization drives national progress, and restructuring leads to a win-win scenario for all regions.
President Tinubu’s administration is encouraged to sustain this momentum, pushing forward with further reforms that decentralize power, enhance accountability, and promote efficient governance. The fiscal independence of local governments is a significant leap towards achieving these goals, but it is just the beginning. There is much work to be done to ensure that all levels of government operate effectively and in the best interests of the Nigerian people.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the fiscal independence of local governments is commendable and represents a historic milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards restructuring. It is a bold step that promises to transform governance at the grassroots and set a precedent for future reforms. The Yoruba Initiative stands firmly with President Tinubu, advocating for continued progress in the quest for a modernized and competitive Nigerian polity.
Femi Adefemiwa
General Secretary, The Yoruba Initiative.
(for The Yoruba Initiative Communications Team)
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