The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, has expressed support for the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting autonomy to local government areas (LGAs). Governor AbdulRazaq, joined by Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum, and Dr. Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, addressed the press after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
Governor AbdulRazaq described the Supreme Court’s decision as a relief for state governors, emphasizing that it alleviates the financial burdens previously placed on state governments to support local governments. He assured that compliance with the court’s verdict is guaranteed and mentioned that the NGF’s Attorney General has applied for the enrollment order for further study.
“By and large, governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect of local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors. Our people really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments,” AbdulRazaq stated.
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He further clarified that his administration in Kwara State has never interfered with local government funds. “What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the incoming minimum wage, to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid, traditional rulers get their five percent and those are the main issues,” he added.
Governor AbdulRazaq announced that the NGF would convene next Wednesday to discuss the issue of local government elections in states where they have yet to be conducted.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated for local government administrations. The court affirmed that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria should independently manage their funds, free from state interference. Additionally, the court ruled that only democratically elected local government councils are constitutionally recognized, thereby invalidating caretaker committees appointed by state governments.
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government, sought to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all local government councils in the country.
