The Nigerian Senate convened in an emergency closed-door session on October 9, 2024, to address the contentious issue of local government autonomy following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The session was prompted by concerns regarding the implementation of financial autonomy for the country’s 774 local government councils, which the Supreme Court affirmed in August this year.
Background of the Issue
The Supreme Court ruling declared it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated for local governments, emphasising that these councils should manage their finances independently. This landmark decision aimed to end decades of state control over local government funding, which many have criticised as a violation of constitutional provisions.
However, tensions arose when Senator Tony Nwoye from the Labour Party (LP) raised a point of order during the Senate plenary, alleging that some state governments were attempting to circumvent the Supreme Court‘s judgment. He claimed that governors were enacting counterlaws through their respective State Houses of Assembly to mandate local councils to remit funds into joint accounts, a practice deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.
Confusion and Debate
As Nwoye presented his motion, he garnered support from nine other senators who co-sponsored it. However, the session quickly descended into confusion as Senator Adamu Aliero raised a constitutional point of order, arguing that the Supreme Court’s judgement is enforceable and should not be subject to further debate. This prompted Senate President Godswill Akpabio to highlight the need for constitutional amendments to facilitate full implementation of the ruling.
The simultaneous points of order led to a chaotic atmosphere in the chamber, resulting in an emergency closed-door session at 12:46 PM to allow senators to consult privately on how to proceed with the matter.
Senators’ Perspectives
During discussions prior to the closed session, several senators expressed their views on local government autonomy. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that local governments must be independent from state control, arguing that past practices have hindered development at the grassroots level. He stated, “The autonomy of our local governments cannot be taken away.”
Conversely, concerns were raised about the potential for local government chairmen to become too powerful if granted full autonomy. Some senators argued that safeguards must be put in place to prevent misuse of power.
Next Steps
The outcome of this emergency session remains uncertain as senators seek clarity on how best to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling while addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders. The Senate is expected to deliberate further on necessary constitutional amendments that would facilitate financial independence for local governments and ensure compliance with judicial directives.
As the Senate grapples with these complex issues, the future of local governance hangs in the balance, with potential implications for democracy and development across the country. The resolution of this matter will be crucial in determining how effectively local governments can operate independently and serve their communities.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
