The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the National Union of Local Government Employees have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that state governors comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on Local Government autonomy.
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of granting local governments financial autonomy, directing that their allocations be paid directly to them.
However, six months after the ruling, the implementation has yet to take effect, as governors are said to be obstructing the process.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Saturday, ALGON Secretary-General Mohammed Abubakar expressed concern about the delay in enforcing the local government autonomy.
He noted that while there were plans for direct payments of local government allocations, significant obstacles were still hindering the process.
“The situation is becoming more complicated. Our reports show that although there have been preparations for direct payment of allocations, the process is being delayed due to substantial hurdles. Local government chairmen, who should be advocating for these changes, are often under the influence of governors, making it difficult for them to assert their autonomy,” Abubakar said.
He emphasized that the implementation of local government autonomy depends on President Tinubu’s leadership, urging him to direct the Accountant-General and the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure the financial autonomy is realized.
“The law is clear, and the Supreme Court judgment is binding. What we need now is the political will to carry it out. Without it, governors will continue to hold power,” Abubakar added. “It’s crucial that both the Accountant-General and the Attorney-General work together to make sure the ruling is implemented.”
In the same vein, NULGE President Hakeem Ambali reiterated that the President holds the constitutional authority to enforce the autonomy. Ambali shared his hope for the direct allocation to local governments.
“We were informed that local governments would begin receiving direct allocations by December. Now, in January, we are still hopeful that the President will ensure the implementation of this policy. He has already shown a commitment to this cause, and we trust he will follow through,” he said.
In response to queries, the Special Assistant to the President on Communications, Kamarudeen Ogundele, clarified the role of the Attorney-General’s office in this matter.
He stated that the Attorney-General’s duty was to take the case to the Supreme Court, which had already been successfully done.
Ogundele explained, “The Attorney General’s role was to pursue the case in court, which he has done. The responsibility for paying allocations falls under the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General of the Federation. It is their duty to implement the payment process.”
