FG Warns Governors Against Violating Local Government Autonomy

December 13, 2024

2 minutes read

Lateef Fagbemi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued stern warnings to state governors and other officials over actions that undermine local government autonomy. Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), declared that any attempts to tamper with local government funds or enact laws circumventing the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy will face legal consequences.

The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of strengthening the autonomy of local governments, granting them direct access to federal allocations without interference from state governments. This ruling aims to promote effective governance and development at the grassroots level. However, reports have surfaced of some states enacting laws to bypass this decision.

Malami, through the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described any tampering with local government allocations as an impeachable offense and a violation of the Constitution. He emphasized that local governments are entitled to manage their funds independently as stipulated by law.

Fagbemi warned governors against enacting laws or policies that hinder local governments from exercising their financial autonomy. He stated that such actions could lead to contempt charges and other legal repercussions, including possible impeachment.

The Federal Government has threatened to file contempt suits against state governors found violating the Supreme Court’s ruling. The AGF noted that this move is necessary to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.

Fagbemi further clarified that the government’s resolve is not aimed at antagonizing governors but at ensuring compliance with judicial decisions. “This administration will not tolerate any act that sabotages grassroots development,” he said.

The directive has drawn praise from civil society organizations and local government associations, who view it as a step toward enhancing grassroots governance. Advocacy groups have called for strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance and prevent further violations.

However, some governors have expressed concerns over the direct allocation model, citing the need for coordinated financial management. These concerns have raised debates on the balance between local government autonomy and state-level oversight.

As the Federal Government tightens its stance, the spotlight remains on the implementation of this directive and its potential impact on grassroots development across the country.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest


0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

US-China Trade War Escalates with Tariff Hikes

US-China Trade War Escalates: China Imposes 84% Tariff Hike on American Imports

In a sharp escalation of the ongoing US-China trade war, China has slammed an additional ...

Three Headless Bodies Discovered in Ondo

Three Headless Bodies Discovered in River, Causes Panic in Odigbo, Ondo State

There is growing tension in Odigbo, a community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo ...

Inspector Stephen Enang slumped and died while watching football match.

Police Inspector Slumps and Dies While Watching Arsenal vs Real Madrid Match

A tragic incident occurred in Calabar on Tuesday evening as Inspector Stephen Enang, a devoted ...

Niger Drops French

Niger Drops French, Declares Hausa as National Language in Historic Move

In a bold step toward decolonisation and national identity, Niger’s military government has officially adopted ...

Features

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Trailblazing African American Poet Who Defied Oppression

Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneer in Black Literature and Poetry Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking poet ...

Women Participation in Politics

International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Rights, Equality, and Leadership for African Women

The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” ...

Bromate

Bromate Use in Bread: The Hidden Health Risks

Potassium bromate, a banned additive in bread production, poses serious health risks, including cancer. Learn ...
Wema Bank

Wema Bank targets fraudulent activities as it suspends seven fintech partners

Tackling Fraud in Nigeria’s Fintech Sector: Wema Bank’s Bold Steps Nigeria’s financial technology (fintech) sector ...

The Rise of West African Startups: A Tech Revolution

The rise of West African startups is transforming the region’s tech ecosystem, with fintech and ...

Latest News

Today in History

April 10th is the day in 1816 that the United States Government approves the creation of the Second Bank of the United States.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram390.7005
GH Ghana Cedi15.4888
GM Gambian Dalasi72.1572
GN Guinea Franc8,649.9
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,579
CF CFA Franc BEAC593.1306
10 Apr · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 10 Apr 2025 10:05 UTC
Latest change: 10 Apr 2025 10:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?