PanNigerianNews 
Some Abakaliki-based analysts, on Thursday, said that the financial autonomy granted local government councils will trigger transparency and development at the third tier level.
The analysts spoke on the heels of the Supreme Court judgment which directed the Federal Government to pay allocations directly to local government councils.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government had filed a suit before the apex court seeking the enforcement of full autonomy for the 774 local government areas in the country.
Mrs Chinelo Ogodo, a lawyer told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that local government councils would now witness visible developments.
“The third tier government is an integral part of our governance system; the system requires financial liberty to function.
“The Supreme Court’s decision granting them financial autonomy is a good omen
“It is a right step towards repositioning the 774 councils.
“I believe that this outcome will bring the needed development at the grassroots. The challenge of seizure of allocation by state governors is over,” he said.
Mr Mike Nnaemeka, a Political Analyst, commended the Supreme Court for being bold and standing on the path of truth in the interest of the people.
He said that the apex court’s decision would enable the local governments to have direct access to their funds.
“The councils can now access their funds without hitches, they can now also utilise such funds for the good of the people,” he said.
Another analyst, Dr John Okoye, described the financial autonomy to councils as a welcome development.
He urged the Federal Government to implement the supreme court’s judgment without any delay so that the third tier system could witness visible development.
“The judgement is good for the nation. It will help to strengthen the local government system. It is in the interest of the people,” he said.
