Breaking News
Historic Ruling: Supreme Court Declares Governors’ Hold on Local Govt Funds Unconstitutional
0
0
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Federal Government (FG), declaring that state governors’ hold on funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations is unconstitutional
The FG had sued the 36 state governors, seeking full autonomy for Local Government Areas (LGAs) and an end to the governors’ alleged misconduct in handling local government affairs.
The court’s decision aligns with the FG’s argument that the Constitution recognizes local governments as a third tier of government, entitled to direct funding from the Federation Account.
In its lead judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court observed that the state government’s refusal of financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.
Justice Agim said local governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead.
He noted that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.
He dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors).
There are 774 local government areas in the country but the efficiency of the third tier of government has been hampered by the weight of some controlling and overbearing governors who have been accused of mismanaging funds meant for the administration of local governments.
In the last few months, calls for local government autonomy have increased in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu also supported the calls. In May, the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, sued the 36 state governors over alleged misconduct of local government funds.
Currently, the Federal Government gets 52.68%, and states get 26.72%. In comparison, LGs get 20.60% of the country’s monthly revenue allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which operates under the Presidency, and disbursed by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Interestingly, LG funds are paid into a joint account operated by state governments and local governments in their domains.
In the suit filed by AGF, the Federal Government sought an order preventing the governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected councils. The suit by the AGF was on 27 grounds.
The 36 state governors, who are defendants in the suit, opposed the AGF for instituting the case.
The Verdict
In his judgment, Justice Agim said 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, and not to state government coffers.
Justice Agim pointed out that the state governors’ retention of the monies meant for the Local Governments truncates the latter’s activities.
Justice Agim ordered the immediate compliance of the judgment, stating that no state government should be paid monies meant for Local Governments.
Channels news
Breaking News
Strange: Egba Muslim Praying Ground “Lantoro” Observes No Eid-il-Fitri, As Worshipers Left…
0
0
In a strange development, the prominent Muslim Community Eid praying ground in Egba,”Lantoro”Abeokuta Ogun, has put worshipers in a delusional situation as the Chief Imam and other scholars didn’t appear to observe Eid Fitri Prayer.
The reasons behind the development of the development are yet unknown as the majority of worshipers were left delusional despite the announcement of the Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate yesterday.
Rumours have it that the Eid Fitri will be observed on Monday, in line with the first declaration by Sultan Alhaji Saad Abubakar.
Meanwhile, many people were of the opinion that the current development in Egba Muslim praying ground was influenced by the declaration of Mundeer Murkaz, who declared publicly that Eid Fitri is on Monday.
Details later.
0
0
The Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun was on Monday appointed as the new Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum as Charles Soludo becomes his vice-chairman.
Abidoun was appointed after a meeting that lasted for about 4 hours in Abeokuta at the presidential lodge.
He assured repositioning administration.
Details later.
0
0
Not less than 13 governors across the southern states in Nigeria are present at the governor’s forum held in Abeokuta.
As of the time of filing this report, Gov, Babajide Sanwolu of State, Obaseki Edo State, Seyi Makinde Oyo State, Alex Otii Abia State, Ademola Adeleke Osun State
Chinyere Ekomaru Deputy gov represents Imo state, Ekiti Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Monday Onyeme Delta deputy, Olayide Adelami as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
Details of the event later.
-
News1 year agoIPAC Meets Gov. Abiodun Over OGISIEC Administrative Fees
-
Metro3 weeks agoA New Generation Of Leadership For Ijebuland
-
News4 days agoFull List of Princes, Princess nominated for Awujale of Ijebuland’s stool
-
Metro4 weeks agoOGHA COMMENDS HOUSING MINISTRY ON MASSIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS
-
Politics4 weeks agoGNI Meets IPAC, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Democracy in Ogun
-
News4 weeks agoOgun Govt Signs MoU with Whatadeal, Takes Over Management of Olumo Rock Tourism Centre
-
Politics2 weeks agoOgun ADP Denounces Shokunbi’s ‘Lies’ Describes His Statement as Wrong Information
-
Metro4 weeks agoOgun Govt to Make Abeokuta Polo Club a World-Class Equestrian Hub, Harnessing Potential for Economic Growth