Shehu Sani | File Image
Justice Agim noted that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves
By Valentine Amanze
Human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has commended the Supreme Court ruling, which fully restored the financial independence of the nation’s 774 local government areas.
Consequently, Local Government allocation from the Federation Account would henceforth be paid directly to them.
Reacting to the judgement, Shehu Sani via his X handle, @ShehuSani, stated that the local governments were now free to play their roles.
His words: “The Supreme Court has freed the Local Governments from over two decades of captivity and systemic plunder by the states.”
Also read: Why opposition is weak in National Assembly, by Shehu Sani
The Supreme Court declared on Thursday that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government (LG) administrations.
A lead judgement read by Justice Emmanuel Agim held that the apex court observed that the refusal of the state government on financial autonomy for local governments has gone on for over two decades.
The apex court held that local governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead.
Justice Agim 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).
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