Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, has expressed strong opposition to the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. Ibori argues that the ruling undermines federalism and contradicts the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the distribution of funds to local governments through state governments. He believes the ruling:
1. Misinterprets the Constitution
2. Shifts power from states to the federal government
3. Erodes state autonomy
4. Threatens financial independence
5. Sets a dangerous precedent for federal intervention in state affairs
Ibori acknowledges that local governments should be democratically elected, but disagrees with direct federal payment to local governments, calling it “utter madness.” He hopes for a review of the judgment, citing the late Justice Oputa’s quote, “We are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final.”