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.
The Nigerian youth leaders of Ogun State call on the government for their support to advance youth development in the state.
For International Youth Day, Ogun State held a programme with Nigerian youth leaders, and it was shared.
“Ogun State is at a trajectory moment of transition and continuity, and it’s a political season. We are trying to ensure that youth inclusion is key in the next administration’s agenda.”
“A dedicated ministry will help coordinate opportunities for our young people and ensure that their voices are properly channelled.”
Tonye Cole speaks out on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s emergence and continuation as the Governor of Rivers State.
He shared his thoughts, saying the governor likely consulted with his close allies before making key decisions.
“My assumption is that the governor would have gone with his own close allies, discussed with them, and said that this is the best way, that he has to move forward for the next six months or thereabouts of his administration. I would assume that’s what he did.”
“But I am not in his chamber, so I wouldn’t know. But that’s what I would assume he would do.”
He added “But having taken the responsibility to come and finish his term, then he has to finish it in the way that allows him to govern. He can’t go back into fighting.”
Politician and former President Olusegun Obasanjo speaks on Nigeria and shares that the possibility of Nigeria surviving another civil war is quite low.
He revealed that the issues that led to the Biafra War have not been resolved and that if another war breaks out, it will be much harder to resolve.
Reflecting on the civil war, he shared “The conditions that led to the Nigerian civil war years ago still remain unresolved.”
“I was involved in the civil war, but whenever people ask me about the Asaba massacre, I always tell them I cannot give details because Murtala Muhammed was responsible for operations in that area.”
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