LG Autonomy: List of Former Governors Who Kicked Against Supreme Court's Verdict
The Supreme Court's landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) has been a subject of intense discussion for days. The apex court had ruled in favour of the federal government's request for direct disbursement of funds from the federation account to the LGAs, bypassing state governments.
The court criticised the practice of state governors creating and controlling caretaker committees, emphasising that local government councils should be democratically elected as stipulated by the constitution.
The ruling is considered as a significant victory for local government autonomy and a blow to state governments' control over LGAs.
Source: Twitter
The Supreme Court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations to LGAs governed by unelected officials appointed by governors, with six out of seven judges concurring. The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for grassroots governance and democracy in Nigeria.
However, some former governors have kicked against the apex court's decision, expressing their opinions on the verdict. Legit.ng spotlights two governors opposed to the court verdict.
PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!
James Ibori
The former governor of Delta state said the Supreme Court's judgment granting full autonomy to local government operations in Nigeria was against the 1999 constitution as amended.
Ibori maintained that the Supreme Court's ruling has dealt a significant blow to the principle of federalism in Nigeria, as outlined in Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
According to Ibori, this section states that funds in the Federation Account should be distributed among federal, state, and local governments in a manner prescribed by the National Assembly.
The former governor added that in Section 6, each state should maintain a "State Joint Local Government Account" to receive allocations from the Federation Account and the state government.
He argued that the Supreme Court's ruling undermines true federalism and allows the federal government to interfere with local government administration, which is not permitted in a federal system.
He maintained that there are only two tiers of government: federal and state. The ex-governor also said the federal government's interference with local governments violates the constitution.
Ayodele Fayose
Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti state, has also expressed concerns over the Supreme Court judgment granting local governments direct access to federal allocations.
Despite the ruling, Fayose said state Houses of Assembly and governors will continue to hinder local government autonomy.
Fayose, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, addressed the issue when he appeared on Channels Television's Politics Today.
The ex-governor emphasized that grassroots candidates cannot become local government chairmen without a governor's support. He argued that the court and federal government cannot separate the "baby from the mother."
Fayose's comments suggest that governors still hold significant influence over local government affairs despite the Supreme Court's ruling. He warned that anyone thinking otherwise is "wasting their time."
The former governor's stance highlights the ongoing debate over local government autonomy in Nigeria. While the Supreme Court's judgment is seen as a victory for grassroots governance, Fayose's comment shows the reality on the ground may be more complex.
However, a legal practitioner, Titilope Anifowoshe, who spoke with legit.ng stressed the importance of having local government elections. She said:
"Local government elections are essential for ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that their needs are addressed by leaders who are directly accountable to them. These elections empower communities, foster political engagement, and facilitate the efficient delivery of public services."
El-Rufai reacts to Supreme Court judgment
Legit.ng earlier reported that the former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, made a cryptic comment on the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
El-Rufai quoted a tweet from the presidency that summarised the apex court's judgment with a terse comment saying it is God who gives and takes.
The former governor's comment comes amid his ongoing political battle with Uba Sani, his successor in Kaduna state.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay Informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Legit.ng
