The Supreme Court, Federal Republic of Nigeria, has declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, in the lead judgment said the apex court observed that the refusal of state governments to grant financial autonomy to local governments has persisted for over two decades.
He stated that local governments have ceased receiving the funds allocated to them, with state governors acting on their behalf instead.
Justice Agim emphasized that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds independently.
He dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors).
In the suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Government sought an order preventing governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected councils.
Justice Agim stated that the AGF has the right to institute the suit and protect the constitution.
The apex court consequently directed that local government allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them henceforth.
More to come as story unfolds…
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