Senate Urges Soludo, Other Governors to Comply with Supreme Court Judgment on LG Financial Autonomy

The Nigerian Senate has called on Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State and other governors across the country to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment mandating the financial autonomy of local governments. The Senate stressed the importance of adhering to the ruling, which directs that funds meant for local governments should be disbursed directly to them, without interference from state governments.

During a plenary session, the Senate reaffirmed its support for the Supreme Court’s decision, calling for its immediate implementation by all states. This came after a motion was raised by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), urging the Upper Chamber to push for strict compliance with the judgment, which aims to grant local governments the necessary financial independence to serve their constituencies more effectively.

The Senate emphasized that the autonomy of local governments is crucial for ensuring that funds meant for development at the grassroots level are properly utilized. The Upper Chamber also expressed its commitment to working with the House of Representatives to amend the relevant sections of the Constitution to enshrine full autonomy for local governments.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio reiterated the Senate’s stance, stating, “The Supreme Court has made it clear that local government funds must go directly to their accounts. This is a critical step in sanitizing the administration of local governments and preventing the misuse of funds meant for development.”

Akpabio further noted that constitutional amendments would be required to fully implement the Supreme Court’s ruling and eliminate the current practice of state governments controlling local government funds through joint accounts.

The call for compliance comes amid reports that some state governors are attempting to bypass the Supreme Court’s ruling by introducing counter-laws through their respective Houses of Assembly. Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North) raised concerns during the session, alleging that certain governors were seeking to reintroduce measures that would force local governments to remit funds back into state-controlled accounts, in violation of the court’s judgment.

Despite these challenges, the Senate remains committed to ensuring that local governments are granted the financial independence necessary for effective governance at the grassroots level. The Upper Chamber has vowed to pursue legislative amendments to guarantee the full autonomy of local governments across Nigeria, while urging all governors, including Gov Soludo, to respect the Supreme Court’s decision and fully comply with the ruling.

The Senate also warned that any attempt to circumvent the judgment would be met with resistance, as the autonomy of local governments is a fundamental aspect of Nigeria’s federal system of governance.