The decision, on 11 July 2024, struck down the proxy system in which state governments received federal allocations on behalf of local government councils in the country.
This decision signifies a historic moment in the consolidation of democratic federalism in our country. It gives practical expression to constitutional recognition of local government councils as the third tier of government. It constitutes a single most significant stride towards restructuring Nigeria since the country’s return to civilian democratic rule in 1999.
The Justice Emmanuel Agim-led seven-man panel also upheld the position of the federal government that state Governors lack authority under the law to arbitrarily dissolve democratically-elected local governments councils and set up caretaker committees in their place as ubiquitously practiced.
“We applaud the Supreme Court for justifying itself, and for its courage in rendering a definitive decision on this vexed national issue. The clarity that it brings will, no doubt, spur further reform for effectiveness, transparency and accountability of local government administration in the country.
“We commend the ingenuity, vision and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards deepening our democracy and turning our local government councils into potential strongholds for development and more efficient service delivery to our populations at the grassroots”, a statement by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka read.
