Governors And FCT Minister Warned By SERAP: Account For LG Funds Or Face Legal Consequences

Governors And FCT Minister Warned By SERAP: Account For LG Funds Or Face Legal Consequences

Socio-Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to promptly audit and return funds allocated to local councils, or risk legal repercussions. This directive follows a Supreme Court ruling barring governors from further withholding or utilizing funds intended for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide……… CONTINUE READING

The apex court declared such actions illegal and unconstitutional, emphasizing that the long-standing practice constituted a clear violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution. In its landmark judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the court asserted that no state House of Assembly possesses the authority to enact laws that impede the allocation of funds meant for LGAs.

“Justice demands a progressive interpretation of the law,” the court stated, advocating for direct allocation of LGA funds from the federation account, given the ineffectiveness of channeling funds through states.

In response to the ruling, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, hailed the decision as monumental, underscoring the necessity for Nigeria’s governors and the FCT Minister to account for and return funds designated for Local Councils or face legal consequences.