The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Imo State has commended President Bola Tinubu for his swift achievement in securing local government autonomy.
This praise was delivered during a solidarity rally for President Tinubu and the Federal Government, celebrating the restoration of local government autonomy.
Addressing the rally attendees on Wednesday, Imo NULGE President Comrade Charles Okechukwu Okere called the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of local government autonomy a landmark achievement and a significant democratic milestone.
Okere also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for his proactive efforts in securing financial autonomy for local councils by initiating the organization of local government elections even before the court’s decision.
From as early as 9 am, officials and members from the state’s 27 LGAs gathered at the NULGE state secretariat, chanting songs of solidarity for President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma. They carried placards expressing their gratitude and pledged their continued support for a better local government system in Nigeria.
Despite early morning rain, the participants marched through key roads, including the Owerri/Port Harcourt Motorway, singing and dancing joyously.
Comrade Okere highlighted that the solidarity march was to express Imo LG workers’ support and gratitude for President Tinubu’s new approach that led to local government financial autonomy. He recalled that past civilian presidents had attempted similar reforms but failed due to opposition from state governments, whereas President Tinubu’s pragmatic approach succeeded.
Okere also commended the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court judges, for their courage in delivering a favorable judgment, stating that the verdict benefits all Nigerians, not just council workers. He praised the union members for their participation in the rally, affirming their unwavering support for the President and the Supreme Court’s decision.
Furthermore, Okere applauded Governor Uzodimma for his immediate acceptance of the Supreme Court’s judgment and for initiating plans for local government elections even before the ruling, indicating that Imo State had already embraced local government autonomy under his leadership.
News Editor 