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Six Key Takeaways from Local government autonomy Supreme court judgement
The Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on Thursday, July 11, 2019, that the Federal Government must henceforth pay funds allocated to the local governments in Nigeria directly to those administered by democratically elected officials. Delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the ruling is said to rid off an executive or constitutional violation that dates back so many years and is binding on a new way of administration for local government funds in the country. Here are the six key takeaways from the judgment:
1. Unconstitutional Practice:
The Supreme Court banned the practice whereby state governors receive and withhold funds meant to be allocated to LGAs as illegal and unconstitutional. The practice, which has been in action for over two decades, was a violation of the constitutional provisions on local government autonomy.
2. Violation of the Constitution:
The court held that the withholding of LGA funds by state governments and other entities amounts to a misapplication of the funds, as Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution had succinctly made provisions for the allocation and transfer of the funds to the local government areas.
3. Direct Payment of Funds:
The court mandated that funds for LGAs be directly paid from the federation account into the banks of the local governments, bypassing the state governments. This means funds will have to be paid directly to the local governments lest the aim of their being dispatched—that is, development and administration of the locals—should go astray.
4. Democratic Governance Mandate:
The judgment therefore emphasized the need for democratic governance at the grassroots. The court ruled that a governor’s act in appointing caretaker committees to run LGA affairs is unconstitutional, reiterating that LGAs must be run by democratically elected people.
5. Obligation of States:
The judgment also held that the 36 states are under an obligation to ensure democratic governance at the grassroots level. This means they have to allow for the election of local government officials and that LGAs operate independently of undue state interference.
6. Repulse of Governors’ Objections:
The Supreme Court dismissed the objection filed by state governors against the competence of a suit before it by the federal government.
This was to secure financial autonomy for LGAs, with the court’s dismissal of the governors’ objections paving the way for enforcement.
The ruling is therefore considered one major step forward toward enhancing the autonomy of the local government and for money allocated for local development to be utilised as it should.
That decision of the Supreme Court is for strengthening democratic processes at the grassroots level also, apart from upholding constitutional provisions. Further developments will ensue as Federal Government and state governments adjust to fall in line with this Landmark ruling.
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Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG
A group under the aegis of Core Public Servants, CPS hail President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr Adebowale Adedokun, a thoroughbred Procurement officer as the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP.
CPS in a congratulatory letter signed by Kudirat Akindero to Adedokun lauded President Tinubu for following due process and picking the most qualified to run the affairs of the soecialised agency.
In the letter, the ADSC said:
“Congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, PhD (MCIPS, CMILT), on his appointment as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
“This significant achievement reflects his extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing public procurement in Nigeria.
“With over 20 years of robust experience in public service, Dr. Adedokun has made substantial contributions to procurement reform.
“His distinguished academic background includes a doctorate in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, complemented by four master’s degrees in Procurement, Finance, Technology, and Transportation Management.
” This diverse educational foundation equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities inherent in procurement processes.
“In his career, Dr. Adedokun has held pivotal roles, including serving as a National Consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on public procurement reforms.
“He represents Nigeria in the International Research Study on Public Procurement (IRSPP) and serves as a World Bank Resource Person on Sustainable Procurement. His commitment to capacity building is evident in his training of over 4,000 federal and state government procurement professionals nationwide.
” Additionally, he has been instrumental as the focal point officer for the UN Women Project aimed at empowering women in procurement in Nigeria and as the Project Coordinator/Procurement Node for the SPESSE – World Bank Project.
“Dr. Adedokun’s professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), UK; Chartered Membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT); Fellowship in the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN); Fellowship in the Institute of Management Consultants (ICMC), Nigeria; membership in the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACArb); Fellowship in the Nigeria Institute of Training & Development (NITAD); membership in the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM); and membership in the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
In recognition of his consistent contributions to reform, Dr. Adedokun was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition by USAID’s Nigerian Reforms Project in July 2009.
As he assumes the role of Director-General of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun’s extensive knowledge and experience are anticipated to significantly contribute to the agency’s strategic repositioning.
” His leadership is expected to advance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s public procurement system.
Once again, congratulations to Dr. Adebowale Adedokun on this well-deserved appointment.
Core Public Servants hail Tinubu for appointing thoroughbred Procurement officer, Adedokun as BPP DG
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