AGF Fagbemi Warns Local Government Officials Against Violating Supreme Court Ruling on Autonomy
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a stern warning against violating the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, stating that erring council officials will face consequences. Fagbemi made the statement on Thursday in Abuja during a conference with judiciary correspondents.
He emphasized that governance at the grassroots level has long been neglected, but with the enforcement of the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy, he believes local governments will finally see a revival. Fagbemi stated, "The people at the grassroots have suffered from years of negligence, and it is time to correct these wrongs. The government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to restoring the dignity of local governments and positioning the country among the world’s leaders."
He warned that any attempts to undermine this effort would be met with strict action, stressing that local government officials do not have the same immunity as governors. Fagbemi added, "Local government chairmen and councilors must choose between mismanaging funds and facing jail time, or contributing positively to their communities by investing in infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals."
In a landmark ruling in July, the Supreme Court upheld the financial autonomy of local governments, preventing governors from controlling local government funds. The court also directed the AGF to ensure that local government allocations are paid directly into their accounts, strengthening the autonomy of local governments nationwide.
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