Supreme Court delays judgment on FG's bid for local government autonomy, challenging state governors' authority over 774 local councils. AGF seeks direct fund allocation and bans on governors dissolving local governments or appointing caretakers, citing constitutional violations.
The Supreme Court has deferred its ruling on the Federal Government’s case against 36 state Governors over the autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Presiding over a seven-member panel, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba announced that the judgment date will be communicated following the adoption of final addresses by legal representatives.
The federal government, represented by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, is seeking full autonomy for local governments, arguing against state governors' authority to dissolve elected local government leaders and manage funds through joint accounts.
The case (SC/CV/343/2024) highlights ongoing constitutional disputes over governance and fiscal responsibility between federal and state authorities in Nigeria.
