The Supreme Court has commenced sitting on a case filed by the Federal Government seeking full autonomy for local government councils. However, the 36 state Attorneys-General have filed an objection, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
“We are contending that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as presently instituted,” said Zubairu Umar, Attorney-General of Gombe State.
The Federal Government’s suit seeks to prohibit state governors from dissolving democratically elected local government leaders and to allow monthly allocations to be paid directly to local governments from the Federation Account.
But the states argue that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction, and that the Federal Government is overstepping its bounds. “The plaintiff cannot use the back door of the judiciary to import into our law what is not legislated upon by the National Assembly,” said Ibrahim-Sulyman, Kwara State Attorney-General.
Some legal experts have commended the Federal Government’s move, saying it could strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. “I commend the presidency for this resort to the path of civility, law and order. Nigeria’s democracy will become better strengthened by the outcome of the legal process,” said Prof Lai Olurode, a former National Commissioner of INEC.
The case continues on Thursday, with all 36 state Attorneys-General expected to be in court.