The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed relief following the Supreme Court’s ruling granting autonomy to local government areas. Governor of Kwara State and NGF Chairman, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, highlighted the forum’s support for the decision, emphasizing that it alleviates the burdens previously shouldered by governors.
Accompanied by Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors Forum, and Dr. Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq made these remarks while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.
AbdulRazaq assured that compliance with the verdict is guaranteed. “Our Attorney General has applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully,” he said.
He further noted the significance of the ruling for local governance. “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,” he added.
Addressing concerns about local government finances, AbdulRazaq stated, “My government in Kwara State has never tampered with local government funds. Local governments need to manage themselves, especially with the incoming minimum wage, ensuring salaries are paid, and traditional rulers receive their five percent.”
The forum plans to meet next Wednesday to address the issue of states where local government elections have not yet been conducted.
The Supreme Court had declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local government administrations. The seven-man panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that the 774 local government councils should independently manage their funds. The court further stated that local governments must be democratically elected and that state governments have no authority to appoint caretaker committees.
The lawsuit was filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), seeking full autonomy and direct funding for all 774 local government councils in Nigeria.
