NULGE Restates Commitment to LG Autonomy, Calls for Urgent Implementation of Supreme Court Judgment
● Ferdy Agu
••• As President General Hails Governor Mbah Ahead of His Birthday
The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring full local government autonomy in Nigeria, urging the federal government to expedite the direct release of allocations to local councils in line with the Supreme Court judgment. The union made this call, Wednesday, during a press briefing held at its South East Zonal Summit in Enugu, where its President General, Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, addressed journalists alongside other key officials.
Speaking at the briefing, Comrade Olatunji reassured members that local government autonomy was a reality despite delays in implementation. “We are here on a visit to reassure our members that local government autonomy is real and that God has approved our request. However, we are deeply concerned about the prolonged delay in the direct funding of LG accounts,” he stated. He noted that conflicting narratives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other federal institutions were contributing to the uncertainty, emphasizing that certain procedural steps needed to be completed before local governments could open accounts with the CBN.
National President (middle); National Treasurer and President General-elect, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara (3rd left); Enugu State NULGE President, Comrade Udoagha Ani (right); Ebonyi State NULGE President, Comrade Stanley Awa (3rd right); Imo State NULGE President, Comrade Charles Okey Okere (left); Abia State NULGE President, Lady Comrade Linda Ihuoma Unaeze (2nd left); and Enugu State Secretary (4th from left).
The NULGE President General stressed that any further delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment would be detrimental to governance at the grassroots. “Delay defeats equity,” he warned. “We are therefore appealing to Mr. President to, as a matter of urgency, start releasing local government allocations in full compliance with the Supreme Court judgment. The abolition of the state-local government joint account system by the court must be upheld.”
Comrade Olatunji dismissed any lingering discussions about the existence of the Joint Accounts Committee (JAC), categorically stating that it had been nullified by the highest court in the land. “There is nothing called JAC again,” he declared. “By the judgment of the Supreme Court, JAC has been abolished. Anybody still operating a JAC account is engaging in illegality. The Supreme Court is the final authority on this matter, and its ruling is not subject to appeal.”
When asked about the implications if state governors defy the ruling, he reminded them of their constitutional oath. “Governors were sworn in on the position of law. They pledged to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It would be counterproductive, anti-people, and unconstitutional for any governor to oppose the implementation of local government autonomy,” he said.
Addressing local government workers, the NULGE President General urged them to remain steadfast despite prevailing challenges. “Local government workers should stay resolute, devoted, and continue to contribute their quota despite the precarious situation they currently face. LG is the most strategic, most relevant, and closest tier of government to the people. If the local government system is functional, Nigeria will get it right. Stand up and defend your local government for the betterment of Nigeria,” he charged.
On the issue of the new minimum wage, Comrade Olatunji clarified the difference between wage awards and actual salary adjustments. “There is a difference between a wage award and a minimum wage. What some states have done is simply pay a wage award. Any payment made in the name of minimum wage that does not reflect on the basic salary is nothing but a wage award,” he explained, urging governors to ensure proper salary adjustments for LG workers.
In a special message to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who marks his birthday on March 17, Comrade Olatunji commended the governor’s leadership and urged him to continue prioritizing the welfare of local government employees. “I want to encourage the Governor of Enugu State to continue his good work, especially in implementing consequential salary adjustments for LG workers. He is our man, we love him, we supported him, and we know he will continue to excel by God’s grace,” he said.
The press briefing was attended by top NULGE officials, including the National Treasurer and President General-elect, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara; Enugu State NULGE President, Comrade Udoagha Ani; Ebonyi State NULGE President, Comrade Stanley Awa; Imo State NULGE President, Comrade Charles Okey Okere; and Abia State NULGE President, Lady Comrade Linda Ihuoma Unaeze. Also present was the Secretary of the Enugu State NULGE chapter.
With the call for urgent implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, the South East NULGE Summit underscored the union’s unwavering stance on local government autonomy. As the nation awaits further action from the federal government, local government workers remain hopeful that true autonomy will soon be realized. GMTNewsng
