In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has granted financial autonomy to Local Government Councils, ordering that allocations be paid directly to them immediately. The court declared that the section of the Constitution requiring joint allocations is null and void, eliminating the need for National Assembly amendment.
The court also ruled that the appointment of caretaker committees by governors is illegal and unconstitutional, stating that no governor has the power to appoint such committees. This decision strikes a blow against the practice of governors circumventing democratically elected local government officials.
In a scathing rebuke, the Supreme Court described state governors as “dangerous species” hindering the development of democracy. This ruling is seen as a significant victory for local government autonomy and a check on gubernatorial power.
