BREAKING: Supreme Court grants financial autonomy to LGs

By Iyojo Ameh

The Supreme Court on Thursday, declared that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government administrations.

The apex court in it lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim ruled that the refusal of state government on financial autonomy for Local Governments has gone on for over 20 years.

Justice Agim noted that the 774 local government areas in the country should manage their funds themselves.

It also struck out the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors).

In the suit lodged by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, the Federal Government sought an order preventing the governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected councils.

Justice Agim said the AGF has the right to institute the suit and protect the constitution.

The Supreme court however, ordered that Local Government allocation from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them henceforth.