Politics
Supreme Court to Rule on FG’s Suit for Local Government Autonomy Against State Governors
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.
Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has faced backlash after suggesting that opposition figures, including Peter Obi, could contribute to President Tinubu’s chances of re-election if opposition votes remain divided.
He stated “If Tinubu gets re-elected in 2027, blame Peter Obi and the other contractor-general. With all the insecurity and kidnapping in the country, they are the ones aggressively working for his second term by ensuring opposition votes are divided like they did in 2023.”
His comments sparked criticism from many Nigerians, who argued that Peter Obi is not the only opposition figure and should not be solely blamed for political divisions.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the northern region will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election.
According to Matawalle, the administration has delivered major infrastructure projects and development initiatives across the region.
“For us in the North, our votes for the APC and President Tinubu will show clearly that we appreciate what he’s doing for the region.”
He added “If you see the dualisation of the Abuja–Kaduna, Zaria–Sokoto, and Ilela–Badagry expressways, you will agree with me that the North is experiencing key projects it never had in the past, even when a northerner was president.”
It was reported and revealed by the National Coordinator of the Obi Movement that an attack occurred at the movement against Peter Obi in Edo State.
He stated that the armed people had guns and shot at Peter Obi and his members of the movement.
“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.”
Veekee James Celebrates 31st Birthday With Heartfelt Motherhood Message
Bovi Explains Why He Doesn’t See Every Divorce as a Failure
Tioruju Mondusi Opens Up on Most Painful Experience of His Life
-
Entertainment3 hours agoVeekee James Celebrates 31st Birthday With Heartfelt Motherhood Message
-
News3 hours agoConcern Grows Over Rising Insecurity Following Kwara Abduction Case
-
Entertainment3 hours agoTioruju Mondusi Opens Up on Most Painful Experience of His Life
-
Entertainment3 hours agoBovi Explains Why He Doesn’t See Every Divorce as a Failure
-
Sport3 hours agoLiverpool Confirm List of Players Set to Leave Club This Summer