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 Presidency has reacted to the ongoing dispute between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the state government over the state’s finances.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Obi had claimed he left Anambra debt-free and promised to stop his presidential campaign if proven wrong.
Onanuga said the Anambra government had presented figures showing outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners and contractors under Obi’s administration.
Obi, however, denied the claims, saying his administration cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has spoken about why he believes Igbos are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has given Igbos greater access to the president.
He said “We Igbos now have access to Mr. President Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu. That’s why we’re doing everything to make sure he’s re-elected.”
Cubana Chief Priest also spoke about the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, saying “Thousands of Imolites are trooping in for registration for APC. Ndi Imo don’t just love the City Boys Movement, they believe in it. Let’s do politics with lifestyle. On Asiwaju’s mandate, we shall stand. Imo is APC. Here, it’s zero competition.”
Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the APC against being too confident ahead of the 2027 election.
He shared “Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele has repeatedly warned the APC not to assume that its current political strength will automatically translate into victory in 2027.
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