The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment on a critical case filed by the Federal Government seeking to enforce autonomy for local governments.

This lawsuit, initiated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, challenges the practices of state governors who have allegedly undermined the constitutional mandate for democratically elected local government councils.

The AGF’s suit, filed under SC/CV/343/2024, asserts that the 1999 Constitution clearly establishes local governments as a third tier of government that must operate democratically.

The suit accuses state governors of subverting this mandate by dissolving elected councils and appointing caretaker committees, thereby violating the constitutional framework.

The Federal Government’s case includes 27 grounds, arguing that the state governors’ actions constitute a deliberate abuse of power and a subversion of democratic principles.

The AGF seeks the court’s intervention to prohibit state governors from unilaterally dissolving local councils and to mandate that funds allocated to local governments be disbursed directly from the Federation Account.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that the attorneys general of eight states—Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto—were absent despite being served hearing notices.

The court has ordered that these states be served fresh notices and has set the hearing date for May 30, 2024.

The outcome of this case could significantly impact the governance structure in Nigeria, reinforcing the autonomy of local governments and ensuring that funds meant for local development are used appropriately.

The Federal Government argues that adherence to constitutional provisions is essential to uphold democratic governance at all levels.