The Senate has directed state governors and Houses of Assembly to comply with the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, particularly in relation to the financial independence of the 774 local councils in Nigeria.
This follows a closed-door session held on Wednesday, where senators debated efforts by some state governments to obstruct the enforcement of the July 11 ruling.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, announced the resolutions after the session, emphasizing the Senate’s plan to amend sections of the 1999 Constitution to provide full autonomy to local government administrations across the country.
The Supreme Court ruling, which granted local governments autonomy, was delivered after the federal government, through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, filed a suit.
The judgement is intended to liberate local councils from financial dependence on state governments.
Advertorial
Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North), during the plenary, raised concerns under Senate orders 41 and 51, alleging that some state governors were influencing state Assemblies to pass laws that would require local governments to continue remitting funds into a joint state/local government account, in violation of the Supreme Court’s judgement. Nwoye’s motion was co-sponsored by 10 other senators.
However, Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) countered that the Supreme Court ruling was enforceable nationwide and urged the Senate not to deliberate on the matter, citing the constitution.
Advertorial
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed Aliero’s point, referencing Section 162 (6) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that the Supreme Court’s ruling should be upheld.
The debate eventually led to the emergency closed-door session, after which the Senate called on all state governments and legislative bodies to respect the Supreme Court’s decision.
Additionally, the Senate resolved to pursue constitutional amendments to guarantee the financial autonomy of local governments, ensuring they are no longer reliant on state authorities for funding.
