Bello, who currently represents Kaduna North in the House of Representatives, also said history will vindicate his father for his effort
By Kehinde Okeowo
Bello El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has claimed his dad was the first governor in Northern Nigeria to attempt granting local governments full autonomy.
His assertion came after the Supreme Court of Nigeria barred the Federal Government from paying local governments’ allocation through state governments.
In a landmark ruling, Justice Emmanuel Agim ruled that it was unconstitutional for state governments to hold on to the allocations of local governments.
He gave the ruling in a suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the Nigerian Government.
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Reacting to the verdict via his X page, Bello, who currently represents Kaduna North in the House of Representatives member, said history will vindicate his father for his effort.
He tweeted: “Mal. @elrufai was the first Governor in Northern Nigeria to attempt granting local government full autonomy.
“History will vindicate Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.”
Meanwhile, the Thursday’s judgement that granted financial autonomy to local government councils has divided former governors James Ibori of Delta State and Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State.
Both Ibori and Kalu belong to the Class of 1999-2007 Governors together with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who equally served within same period as Governor of Lagos State.
Ibori while commenting via his X handle said: “Supreme Court has dealt a severe setback on the principle of federalism as defined by section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
However, while disagreeing with him, Kalu noted, “The Supreme Court judgement on the autonomy of local governments is one that should be hailed and applauded especially for the courage and independence shown by the judiciary.”