Supreme Court Bars Governors From Dissolving LG Councils

In a landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared it unconstitutional for state governors to dissolve democratically elected Local Government (LG) councils. The decision emphasized that such actions by governors violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit, filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), sought to prevent governors from arbitrarily dissolving democratically elected councils, citing 27 grounds challenging gubernatorial interference in local governance. Despite opposition from all 36 state governors named as defendants, the Supreme Court firmly upheld the AGF’s claims, dismissing the governors’ objections as unsubstantiated.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, underscored the decades-long struggle for financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. He stressed that these councils are entitled to manage their funds independently, directing that allocations from the Federation Account must be paid directly to them, bypassing state government control.

The decision aims to curb longstanding allegations of mismanagement and financial exploitation by state governors, often accused of impeding effective local governance. With immediate effect, the Supreme Court’s directive mandates compliance across all states, effectively empowering local governments to operate autonomously and manage their affairs without undue interference.

The ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for local government autonomy and the rule of law in Nigeria, ensuring that the will of the people is respected and upheld at the grassroots level.