By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Government is exploring further action at the Supreme Court to clarify states’ authority over local government elections. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi revealed this during the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents’ conference in Abuja, citing concerns about state legislation undermining local government autonomy.
Since the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling affirming local government independence, states have passed laws to maintain control via elections, prompting the Federal Government to consider legal recourse. Fagbemi reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s 774 local governments and warned governors against misappropriating local funds, which he described as gross misconduct.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and Justice John Tsoho emphasized the judiciary’s partnership with the media in democratic societies, urging accurate, non-sensational reporting. The conference, themed “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” aims to enhance judicial accountability and effective reporting.
This move reflects the Federal Government’s determination to uphold local government autonomy while promoting transparency and collaboration across governance tiers.
