By Tunde Olamilekan
The chairman of the Council chairmen elected under the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, has said the presentation of budgets by the APC chairmen across the local governments in the state fully complied with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy.
The Osun APC ALGON chairman stated this on a popular podcast LERO TEMI in Osogbo amid controversy over the budget presentation process.
Abiodun who also doubled as Ifedayo local government Chairman dismissed claims that the budgets ought to be routed through the Osun State House of Assembly.
According to him, the Supreme Court has unequivocally affirmed local governments as the third tier of government, with powers to operate independently of both federal and state authorities.
“We did not breach any law. The Supreme Court has given clear guidelines and passed judgment affirming that local governments are a distinct tier of government, standing on their own just as the federal and state governments do,” he said.
He also noted that the apex court’s verdict grants local government legislative arms the authority to handle budgetary matters without recourse to state assemblies.
“Some people argue that our budgets should pass through the State House of Assembly. However, the Supreme Court ruling has given local government parliaments total freedom to operate without such interference,” Abiodun explained.
The ALGON chairman noted that the constitutional framework empowers local governments to manage their financial affairs through their elected councillors, who serve as the legislative arm at the council level.
“We have our own parliament, the councillors operating under laws established by the Constitution. Our budgets fall strictly within their authority,” he stated.
He further stressed that budgetary matters are inherently financially and constitutionally within the jurisdiction of local governments.
“Once the councillors approve the budgets, they take effect immediately,” he added.
Follow the OSUNDOTLIFE channel on WhatsAppKindly share this story | All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from OSUNDOTLIFE.
Contact: editor@osun.life
WhatsApp: 📲 +2348092333666