Pro-democracy and June 12 activists under the aegis of the Coalition of Pro-Democracy Groups for a Better Nigeria has welcomed the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on local government autonomy, describing it as a historic victory for democracy and the Nigerian masses.

The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, declared that it is illegal for state governors to dissolve democratically elected local governments and ordered the federal government to withhold allocations to local governments governed by unelected officials appointed by governors.

Comrade Awa Bamiji, National Coordinator of the Coalition, hailed the judgment as a vindication of the struggles of pro-democracy activists, including Hon. Wale Adedayo, a former chairman of Ijebu East Local Government who was recently removed by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for agitating for local government autonomy.

“This judgment is a testament to the power of the people and a victory for democracy,” Comrade Bamiji said.

“It’s a historic day for Nigeria, and we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Barrister Laifu Fagbemi, SAN, for their commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

The judgment, which aligns with the 2014 National Conference resolutions and the recommendations of the All Progressives Congress (APC) committee on true federalism, has been hailed as a significant step towards entrenching democracy and good governance at the local level.

“This judgment is a victory for the Nigerian masses, who have long suffered under the yoke of oppressive governance,” Comrade Bamiji said.

“We commend the Supreme Court for its courage and commitment to upholding the constitution and the rule of law”, he added.

The Coalition also commended President Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to protecting the downtrodden and promoting good governance.

“If Mr. President could boldly achieve this under his highly promising administration within a year, this is to tell us that he is genuinely out to protect the downtrodden,” Comrade Bamiji said.

The pro-democracy activists also pledged to mobilize popular support for the implementation of the judgment and to hold governors and local government officials accountable for their actions.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that this judgment is implemented to the letter and that the excesses of local government chairmen are curtailed,” Comrade Bamiji said.

“We will also work with civil societies and the anti-graft agencies to ensure that petitions brought before them by the people are addressed promptly and decisively.”

In conclusion, the Coalition hailed the Supreme Court judgment as a significant step towards building a better Nigeria and urged all Nigerians to join hands in promoting democracy and good governance. “Better Nigeria, Yes, We Can,” they said.

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