Non-Compliance with the Local Government Autonomy Verdict: Invitation to Anarchy

The foundation and the bedrock of any democratic government, is an effective judicial administration which in other words, can be described as an effective administration of justice, where might is never right and is not expected to be seen as being so. Recall that on July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgement affirming the financial autonomy of the Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Councils. Do not forget also that the Supreme Court is the last arbiter just as the Judiciary is believed to be the last hope of the common man. Where these two expectations of the Nigerian citizens are cut-off, the implication is that the center can no longer hold just as the case is with the neck of the human, where when it can no longer connect the head to the body, life is automatically sniffed out of the human body.

Why is it that getting to six months after the Supreme Court had granted autonomy to the Local Government Councils, that the monthly allocation of the 774 Local Government Councils are still not been pay directly to the account of the Local Government Councils? This situation only paints a picture of lawlessness and disregard for constituted authority as well as the irresponsibility of the Federal Government which often shows lackadaisical attitude in matters that affect the well-being of the citizens, especially the downtrodden and the vulnerables, who are at the lowest ladder of the society. What sense is in it and of what profit is it for the Federal Government to approach the Supreme Court in pursuit of autonomy for the Local Government Councils and after the autonomy had been granted, went back to sleep leaving the oversight work of the implementation of the payment of the funds of the Local Government directly into their accounts to the State Governors?

This action leaves much to be desired, especially when the powers and the responsibility to transfer the funds of the Local Government Councils directly into their accounts rest with the Federal Government. Wise men have warned that one should not give his hands where he’s not ready to give his arms, and that kings have long arms, but misfortune longer. Therefore, let none think of themselves out of reach.

With the prevailing situation, where one intends to feed the chickens from the corns that are locked up in a bottle and blaming the chickens for not eating, except quick intervention comes from the Federal Government of Nigeria, the renewed hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may end up being to Nigerians, the renewal of hunger and hopelessness. Let the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi rise up to the occasion and do the needful, for a stitch in time saves nine. God bless Nigeria!

By Samuel Tunji Adeyanju

GMN Chief Executive Officer, USA