*Afikuyomi, Adebayo thumb up
LAGOS — An elated Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State hailed, yesterday, the ruling of the Supreme Court which declared as unconstitutional the seizure of allocations to councils in the state by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
In a statement entitled “A victory for federalism” personally signed by Governor Tinubu said: “When we lifted our eyes to the mountains of the judiciary over the illegal seizure of funds accruing to the local governments of Lagos State, we did not need to wonder where our salvation shall come from. We knew that our victory shall come from the justness of our cause, the legitimacy of our decision to respond to the yearnings of the people of Lagos to bring governance closer to the grassroots and the impartiality of the Supreme Court, the highest organ for the resolution of disputes established by the Constitution.
“We approached the portals of justice with a cast iron case of the inalienable right of Lagos State as a component unit of the Federal Government of Nigeria to take control of funds accruing to it from the federation account. We argued that the Federal Government, as a co-ordinate tier, is not superior to the state. We advocated that the responsibilities of the Federal Government as clearly defined in the exclusive and concurrent jurisdictions of the Constitution totally exclude the expropriation or withholding of funds accruing to the State of Lagos without the consent of our citizens.
“This morning, (yesterday) the Supreme Court confirmed once again that the voice of the people is the voice of the Law. In a unanimous judgment, it held that the Federal Government exceeded its bounds by withholding funds accruing to the local governments of Lagos State. Consequently, it ruled that the Federal Government should release the funds immediately.
“It is also significant that the Supreme Court upheld the local government elections held throughout Lagos State on March 27, 2004 as valid although it advised that the local governments shall assume full constitutionality and legality only when they have been listed by the National Assembly. It shall be our priority in the coming months to prevail on the National Assembly to perform its constitutional obligation and carry out its duty in the interest o democracy and rule of law in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am happy to announce that the judgment of the Supreme Court is being faithfully executed with the fullest co-operation of the Federal Government and personal supervision of Mr. president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. The people of Lagos State hereby express our sincere thanks to Mr. President in ensuring that Lagosians do not suffer any further calamities for a second more after the orders of the Supreme Court.”
Senators laud judgment
Also reacting yesterday Senators from Lagos lauded the Supreme Court ruling as a victory for democracy.
Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (AD, Lagos West) praised the tenacity of Tinubu in pursuing the case to a logical conclusion.
Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora (PDP, Lagos East) under whose tenure as Speaker of the State Assembly the new local governments were created expressed great delight at the news affirming that truth had shone its light on the state after a very dark period.
Speaking to newsmen after the ruling, Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Prof. Yemi Osibajo said:
“I think it is evident of the fact that we have a Supreme Court that is serious about constitutional democracy and especially about upholding the right of the people and the institutions of the country.
“It is fantastic for our nation’s democracy. It is important that the Court took a firm stand that the President of this Republic cannot withhold funds meant for the states or for local governments and cannot even suspend allocation. I think it is important that that point was made specifically,” an elated Osibajo said.
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