- Supreme Court Ruling on LG Autonomy Faces Pushback from States
- Governors Enact Laws Challenging Landmark Financial Independence Judgment
- Fagbemi Vows Accountability for LG Chairmen Misusing Funds
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has issued a stern warning to state governors undermining the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on local government autonomy. Speaking at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents in Abuja, Fagbemi threatened legal action, including contempt of court proceedings, if the defiance persists.
The Supreme Court, on July 11, 2024, reaffirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. It declared the practice of state governors controlling local government allocations unconstitutional, mandating the Accountant-General of the Federation to remit funds directly to the councils.
Despite this, some states have enacted legislation to bypass the ruling. For instance, Anambra State’s Local Government Administration Bill 2024 mandates local governments to deposit federal allocations into a state-controlled account, a move critics argue violates the Supreme Court’s decision.
Implementation Challenges
Although the Federal Government pledged compliance, Finance Minister Wale Edun cited “practical impediments” as the reason for delays in implementing direct payments. A committee has been set up to address these challenges, including concerns over the potential impact on state salary payments and operational viability.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a “homegrown solution,” warning that the judgment could lead to unintended consequences. Meanwhile, Nasarawa State has moved to align its laws with the Supreme Court ruling, abolishing joint accounts and other mechanisms undermining local government independence.
AGF’s Call for Accountability
AGF Fagbemi condemned states taking steps contrary to the ruling, calling it a “constitutional breach” that starves local councils of resources needed for grassroots development. He emphasized that constitutional provisions must be upheld and warned local government officials against mismanaging funds.
“Local government autonomy is meant to empower grassroots governance,” Fagbemi said. “Tampering with public funds or failing to deliver constitutional mandates will attract severe consequences, including imprisonment.”
Judiciary and Media Collaboration
Fagbemi urged the media to responsibly report governance issues, highlighting the judiciary’s role in promoting good governance. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the media’s role in fostering transparency and public trust in judicial processes.
