In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court has delivered its judgment in the case brought against the 36 state Governors by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government. The case has significant implications for the autonomy and democratic governance of local governments across the country.
In its verdict, the apex court made three pivotal decisions:
- Illegality of Dissolving Democratically Elected Local Governments: The Supreme Court declared that it is illegal for Governors to dissolve democratically elected local governments. This ruling underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles at all levels of government and ensuring that local administrations are constituted through free and fair elections.
- Withholding Allocations to Unelected Local Governments: The court ordered the Federal Government to withhold allocations to local governments governed by unelected officials appointed by the Governors. This measure aims to prevent the usurpation of local governance by state executives and to ensure that local governments have the financial resources necessary to operate independently and effectively.
- Direct Allocation to Local Governments: In a move to further safeguard the autonomy of local governments, the Supreme Court barred the Federal Government from channeling local government allocations through the state governments. This decision is intended to curtail the misuse and diversion of funds by state governors, ensuring that financial allocations reach the local governments directly.
This ruling marks a significant victory for the Federal Government’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and democratic governance at the grassroots level. By affirming the illegality of dissolving elected local governments and mandating direct allocation of funds, the Supreme Court has reinforced the foundational principles of local government autonomy and democratic representation.
The decision has been hailed by various stakeholders as a step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure and promoting good governance. Local government representatives and civil society organizations have expressed their support for the ruling, highlighting the positive impact it will have on local development and public service delivery.
In response to the judgment, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated, “This ruling is a significant milestone in our commitment to ensuring that democratic principles are upheld at all levels of government. It reaffirms our dedication to empowering local governments and promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.”
The 36 state Governors are yet to issue a collective response to the ruling. However, political analysts predict that the judgment will necessitate significant adjustments in the relationship between state and local governments, potentially leading to broader reforms in the governance of local administrations.
As the nation awaits further developments, the Supreme Court’s decision stands as a testament to the importance of judicial oversight in upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of local governments within Nigeria’s federal system.