By CHARLES IWUOHA

A former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu, has hailed the ruling of the Supreme Court granting full financial autonomy for the 774 local governments in the country.

Dosunmu also applauded the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the matter of Autonomy of the Local Governments brought before it by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is a landmark judgement that is long overdue, but timely.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Dosunmu, a Public Policy Expert, said the importance of this decision at this time in our history cannot be over emphasised as it will no doubt guarantee the delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroots as represented by the 774 local governments.

“We now have a well-structured federal system that guarantees the independence of each tier of government like it is obtainable in other federal jurisdictions all over the world. State governors are advised to take it in good faith and see this as a sacrifice they need to make for the advancement of our democracy.

“To the Local Government chairmen, it should be seen as a call for accountability and more dedication to duty, because to whom much is given, much is expected. My advice to Nigerians who live in the 774 local governments is to get involved and demand for accountability from their local government chairmen.

“There must be robust civic engagement by the residents of the local govts on how funds allocated are utilized and monitor how projects are implemented.

“I congratulate and commend C-in-C of the Armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for this Bold and audacious initiative leading to this historic judgement that has opened new vistas of opportunities for Nigerians as we consolidate our democratic journey. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.“