Governors On Edge As Tinubu, Atiku, Akpabio, And Others Celebrate Supreme Court’s LG Autonomy Ruling

Governors On Edge As Tinubu, Atiku, Akpabio, And Others Celebrate Supreme Court’s LG Autonomy Ruling

Panic has spread across at least 21 states following the Supreme Court judgment stopping allocations to non-democratically elected local government chairmen……. CONTINUE READING 

The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on Thursday, marked a victory for local government autonomy, ending years of struggle. The judgment grants full autonomy to the 774 local governments, preventing state governors from interfering in their affairs.

The court ordered that funds from the federation account be paid directly to the local governments’ bank accounts, barring governors from tampering with these funds. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim delivered the lead judgment.

The ruling also prevents governors from dissolving democratically elected local government officials, reinforcing the 1999 Constitution.

The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision recognized local governments as the third tier of government, as argued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi.

The court upheld that governors cannot spend local governments’ funds on their behalf, as argued by Fagbemi SAN. Additionally, the Federation Account must withhold funds from local governments without democratically elected officials.

Fagbemi, representing the Federal Government, filed the suit on May 24 against the 36 governors, seeking full autonomy for local governments.

Governors had requested the suit’s dismissal, claiming the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction. However, the Justices rejected this request.

The suit is based on 27 grounds, including that the Nigeria Federation is created by the 1999 Constitution, with the President as the Federal Executive head.

The Supreme Court’s ruling means several local governments across 21 states will not receive July allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Affected states include Jigawa, Rivers, Anambra, Kwara, Imo, Zamfara, Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River.

In response, some states have scheduled local government polls, while others have no immediate plans. Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo announced an emergency Governors Forum meeting.

Soludo praised the court decision, calling it a democratic process. He emphasized the need for resources to reach grassroots levels and promote accountability.

President Bola Tinubu commended the judgment, stating it reaffirms council dwellers’ rights and removes hindrances for local government chairmen.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of holding local leaders accountable and ensuring services are provided without excuses. He praised the Attorney-General for his diligence.

The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating it addresses over 50% of Nigeria’s problems.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the judgment, highlighting the need for fiscal autonomy and condemning states for muscling local councils.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged governors to respect the Supreme Court judgment, emphasizing the importance of impartial local government elections.

Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi warned of consequences for states that disobey the judgment, expressing optimism for local government development.

Former Voice of Nigeria Director-General Osita Okechukwu hailed the judgment as a restoration of grassroots democracy, urging prudent management of local government funds.

However, former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori criticized the judgment, calling it an assault on the constitution.

As reactions continue to emerge, the outcome of the governors’ emergency meeting remains awaited.