Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has thrown his weight behind the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, describing it as a crucial step toward grassroots development and accountability.

Speaking at a forum on local government autonomy organized by the House of Representatives, Oshiomhole stressed that local governments must have the freedom to manage their finances to improve governance and better serve their communities.

The Supreme Court’s decision on July 11, 2024, to uphold the financial independence of local governments has been widely praised as a landmark ruling.

The judgment reinforces the constitutional rights of local governments to control their resources without undue interference from state governments.

For years, local governments in Nigeria have struggled under the financial domination of state authorities, limiting their capacity to fulfill their mandates effectively.

At the forum, Oshiomhole highlighted the significance of character and accountability in leadership.

He urged local government chairmen to prioritize essential services such as roads, healthcare, and other public infrastructure.

According to him, these investments are vital for fostering development at the grassroots level and ensuring that citizens see the tangible benefits of governance.

In his characteristic style, Oshiomhole blended humor with serious commentary, stating, “It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief.”

He elaborated that financial autonomy would enable local governments to generate and manage their own funds, ensuring broader economic benefits across various communities.

“With this autonomy, every local government in Nigeria has the potential to produce one or two billionaires, rather than having just one billionaire dominating the entire state,” he quipped.