Supreme Court Grants Local Government Financial Autonomy
- Ban Governors from Dissolving Local Government Council
The Supreme Court declared on Thursday that it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations.
The seven-man panel, in the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, declared that the 774 local government councils in the country should manage their funds themselves.
The apex court held that the power of the government is portioned into three arms of government, the federal, the state and the local government.
The court further declared that a state government has no power to appoint a caretaker committee and a local government council is only recognisable with a democratically elected government.
“A democratically elected local government is sacrosanct and non-negotiable,” the court said.
The judgment held that the use of a caretaker committee amounts to the state government taking control of the local government and is in violation of the 1999 Constitution.
The court ruled that state governments are perpetuating a dangerous trend by refusing to allow democratically elected local government councils to function, instead appointing their loyalists who can only be removed by them.
The court stated that it is the local government that should receive and manage funds meant for local government.
Justice Agim declared, “I hold that the state’s retention of the local government funds is unconstitutional.
“Demands of justice requires a progressive interpretation of the law. It is the position of this court that the federation can pay LG allocations to the LGs directly or pay them through the states.
“In this case, since paying them through states has not worked, justice of this case demands that LG allocations from the federation account should henceforth be paid directly to the LGs.”
The judgment held that the local government council funds must be paid to only democratically elected local government councils stating that “anything other than this will be taken as a gross misconduct.”
“A declaration that the state government has no power or control to keep the local government council money or funds.
“A declaration that the local government council is entitled to the local government allocation.
“An order of injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, agents or privies from spending local government allocation.
“A declaration that no state government should be paid any money meant for the local government.
“An immediate compliance to this judgement,” the apex court declared.
Justice Agim dismissed the objections filed by state governors.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Federal Government, seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all 774 local government councils in the country.
The AGF, in the suit predicated on 27 grounds, urged the apex court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders.
The FG further contended that Nigeria as a federation, is a creation of the 1999 Constitution with the President as the Head of the Federal Executive arm of the Federation and has sworn to uphold and give effects to the provisions of the Constitution.
Losers
Names of those States who lost in the battle of 36 states versus 774 local government areas include; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states. The list also includes the Federal Capital Territory.
Winners
Name of the winners of the Local Govt Areas are;
Abia state – 17 Local Government Areas
Bende LGA
Ikwuano LGA
Aba North LGA
Aba South LGA
Arochukwu LGA
Isiala Ngwa North LGA
Isiala Ngwa South LGA
Isuikwuato LGA
Obi Ngwa LGA
Ohafia LGA
Osisioma Ngwa LGA
Ugwunagbo LGA
Ukwa East LGA
Ukwa West LGA
Umuahia North LGA
Umuahia South LGA
Umu Nneochi LGA
- Adamawa State – 21 Local Government Areas
Girei LGA
Gombi LGA
Jada LGA
Demsa LGA
Fufore LGA
Ganye LGA
Lamurde LGA
Madagali LGA
Maiha LGA
Mayo-Belwa LGA
Guyuk LGA
Hong LGA
Michika LGA
Numan LGA
Shelleng LGA
Song LGA
Mubi North LGA
Mubi South LGA
Toungo LGA
Yola North LGA
Yola South LGA
- Akwa Ibom State – 30 Local Government Area
Ikono LGA
Eket LGA
Esit-Eket LGA
Abak LGA
Eastern Obolo LGA
Ibesikpo-Asutan LGA
Ibeno LGA
Ibiono-Ibom LGA
Ika LGA
Essien Udim LGA
Etim-Ekpo LGA
Etinan LGA
Nsit-Atai LGA
Nsit-Ibom LGA
Nsit-Ubium LGA
Obot-Akara LGA
Ini LGA
Itu LGA
Mbo LGA
Mkpat-Enin LGA
Ikot Abasi LGA
Ikot Ekpene LGA
Okobo LGA
Onna LGA, Oron LGA
Oruk Anam LGA
Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA
Uyo LGA.
Ukanafun LGA
Udung-Uko LGA
Uruan LGA
- Anambra State – 21 Local Government Areas
Aguata LGAs
Anambra East LGA
Anambra West LGA
Anaocha LGA
Ayamelum LGA
Awka North LGA
Awka South LGA
Ihiala LGA
Njikoka LGA
Nnewi North LGA
Nnewi South LGA
Dunukofia LGA
Ekwusigo LGA
Idemili North LGA
Idemili South LGA
Ogbaru LGA
Onitsha North LGA
Onitsha South LGA
Orumba North LGA
Orumba South LGA
Oyi LGA
- Bauchi State – 20 Local Government Areas
Bogoro LGA
Ningi LGA
Warji LGA
Dass LGA
Toro LGA
Ganjuwa LGA
Kirfi LGA, and
Alkaleri LGA
Bauchi LGA
Tafawa Balewa LGA
Darazo LGA
Misau LGA
Katagum LGA
Itas/Gadau LGA
Giade LGA
Shira LGA
Jama’are LGA
Zaki LGA
Gamawa LGA
Damban LGA.
- Bayelsa State – 8 Local Government Areas
Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA
Nembe LGA
Ogbia LGA
Sagbama LGA
Brass LGA
Ekeremor LGA
Southern Ijaw LGA
Yenagoa LGA.
- Benue State – 22 Local Government Areas
Guma LGA
Gwer East LGA
Gwer West LGA
Katsina-Ala LGA
Konshisha LGA
Ado LGA
Buruku LGA
Gboko LGA
Kwande LGA
Logo LGA
Makurdi LGA
Obi LGA
Ogbadibo LGA
Ohimini LGA, Oju LGA
Agatu LGA
Apa LGA
Okpokwu LGA
Otukpo LGA
Tarka LGA
- Borno State – 27 Local Government Areas
Bayo LGA
Biu LGA
Chibok LGA
Damboa LGA
Dikwagubio LGA
Guzamala LGA
Abadan LGA
Askira/Uba LGA
Bama LGA
Gwoza LGA
Ukum LGA
Ushongo LGA
Vandeikya LGA.
Kalka/Balge LGA
Maiduguri LGA
Marte LGA
Mobbar LGA
Monguno LGA
Konduga LGA
Kukawa LGA
Borno State
Hawul LGA
Jere LGA
Kaga LGA
Kwaya-ku LGA
Mafa LGA
Magumeri LGA
Ngala LGA
Nganzai LGA
Shani LGA.
- Cross River State – 18 Local Government Areas
Calabar Municipal LGA
Calabar South LGA
Etung LGA
Ikom LGA
Obanliku LGA
Abi LGA
Akamkpa LGA
Biase LGA
Boki LGA
Obubra LGA
Obudu LGA
Odukpani LGA
Akpabuyo LGA
Bakassi LGA
Bekwarra LGA
Ogoja LGA
Yakuur LGA
Yala LGA.
- Delta State – 25 Local Government Areas
Ethiope west LGA
Ethiope east LGA
Ika south LGA
Ika north east LGA
Isoko south LGA
Isoko north LGA
Aniocha south LGA
Anioha LGA
Bomadi LGA
Burutu LGA
Ukwuani LGA
Uviwie LGA
Warri central LGA
Warri north LGA
Warri south LGA.
Okpe LGA
Oshimili north LGA
Oshimili south LGA
Patani LGA
Sapele LGA
Ndokwa east LGA
Ndokwa west LGA
Udu LGA
Ughelli south LGA
Ughelli north LGA
- Ebonyi State has 13 Local Government Areas
Izzi LGA
Abakaliki LGA
Ezza North LGA
Ivo LGA
Afikpo South (Edda) LGA
Ohaozara LGA
Afikpo North LGA
Ebonyi LGA
Ohaukwu LGA
Onicha LGA.
- Enugu State – 17 Local Government Area
Ezza South LGA
Ikwo LGA
Igbo Eze South LGA
Aninri LGA
Awgu LGA
Isi Uzo LGA
Nkanu East LGA
Nkanu West LGA
Nsukka LGA
Ishielu LGA
Enugu East LGA
Enugu North LGA
Enugu South LGA
Oji River LGA
Udenu LGA
Udi LGA
Ezeagu LGA
Igbo Etiti LGA
Igbo Eze North LGA
Uzo-Uwani LGA.
- Edo State Edo State – Local Government Areas
Igueben LGA
Ikpoba-Okha LGA
Oredo LGA
Akoko-Edo LGA
Egor LGA
Esan Central LGA
Esan North-East LGA
Esan South-East LGA
Esan West LGA
Orhionmwon LGA
Ovia North-East LGA
Ovia South-West LGA
Etsako Central LGA
Etsako East LGA
Etsako West LGA
Owan East LGA
Owan West LGA
Uhunmwonde LGA.
- Ekiti State Ekiti State – 16 Local Government Areas
Efon LGA
Emure LGA
Ido-Osi LGA
Ijero LGA
Ado-Ekiti LGA
Ikere LGA
Oye LGA
Aiyekire (Gbonyin) LGA
Ikole LGA
Ilejemeje LGA
Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA
Ekiti East LGA
Ekiti South-West LGA
Ekiti West LGA
Ise/Orun LGA, Moba LGA.
- Gombe State – 11 Local Government Areas
Akko LGA
Balanga LGA
Billiri LGA
Dukku LGA
Dunakaye LGA
Gombe LGA
Kaltungo LGA
Kwami LGA
Nafada/Bajoga LGA
Shomgom LGA
Yamaltu/Deba LGA
- Imo State Imo – 28 Local Government Areas
Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA
Ideato North LGA
Ideato South LGA
Ihitte/Uboma LGA
Aboh Mbaise LGA
Ahiazu Mbaise LGA
Ehime Mbano LGA
Njaba LGA
Nkwerre LGA
Nwangele LGA
Obowo LGA
Oguta LGA
Ikeduru LGA
Isiala Mbano LGA
Isu LGA
Mbaitoli LGA
Ngor Okpala LGA
Ohaji/Egbema LGA
Oru East LGA
Oru West LGA
Owerri Municipal LGA
Okigwe LGA
Onuimo LGA
Orlu LGA
Orsu LGA
Owerri North LGA
Owerri West LGA
Nwangele LGA
- Jigawa State – 27 Local Government Areas
Buji LGA
Dutse LGA
Gagarawa LGA
Garki LGA,
Gumel LGA
Guri LGA
Gwaram LGA
Gwiwa LGA
Auyo LGA
Babura LGA
Biriniwa LGA
Birnin Kudu LGA
Hadejia LGA
Jahun LGA
Kafin Hausa LGA
Kaugama LGA
Kazaure LGA
Kiri Kasama LGA
Kiyawa LGA
Maigatari LGA
Malam Madori LGA
Miga LGA
Ringim LGA
Roni LGA
Sule Tankarkar LGA
Taura LGA
Yankwashi LGA
- Kaduna State – 23 Local Government Areas
Kaduna North LGA
Kaduna South LGA
Birnin Gwari LGA
Chikun LGA
Giwa LGA
Igabi LGA
Kagarko LGA
Kajuru LGA
Kaura LGA
Kauru LGA
Kubau LGA
Kudan LGA
Ikara LGA
Jaba LGA
Jema’a LGA
Kachia LGA
Lere LGA
Makarfi LGA
Soba LGA
Zangon Kataf LGA
Sabon Gari LGA
Sanga LGA
Zaria LGA.
- Kano State – 44 Local Government Areas
Did you know that Kano has the highest number of local governments in Nigeria?
Ajingi LGA
Albasu LGA
Minjibir LGA
Nassarawa LGA
Rano LGA
Bagwai LGA
Bebeji LGA
Bichi LGA
Dawakin Tofa LGA
Doguwa LGA
Fagge LGA
Gabasawa LGA
Garko LGA
Garun Mallam LGA
Gaya LGA
Gezawa LGA
Gwale LGA
Gwarzo LGA
Bunkure LGA
Dala LGA
Dambatta LGA
Dawakin kudu LGA
Kabo LGA
Kano Municipal, LGA
Karaye LGA
Kibiya LGA
Kiru LGA
Kumbtso LGA
Kunchi LGA
Kura LGA
Madobi LGA
Makoda LGA
Rimin Gado LGA
Rogo LGA
Shanono LGA
Sumaila LGA
Takai LGA
Tarauni LGA
Tofa LGA
Tsanyawa LGA
Tudun Wada LGA
Ungogo LGA
Warawa LGA
Wudil LGA.
- Katsina State – 34 Local Government Areas
Bindawa LGA
Charanchi LGA
Dan Musa LGA
Dandume LGA
Danja LGA
Bakori LGA
Batagarawa LGA
Batsari LGA
Baure LGA
Daura LGA
Dutsi LGA
Jibia LGA
Kafur LGA
Kaita LGA
Kankara LGA
Dutsin-Ma LGA
Faskari LGA
Funtua LGA
Ingawa LGA
Kankia LGA
Katsina LGA
Kurfi LGA
Kusada LGA
Mai’Adua LGA
Malumfashi LGA
Mani LGA
Mashi LGA
Matazu LGA
Musawa LGA
Rimi LGA
Sabuwa LGA
Safana LGA
Sandamu LGA
Zango LGA.
- Kebbi State – 21 Local Government Areas
Dandi LGA
Fakai LGA
Gwandu LGA
Jega LGA
Arewa Dandi LGA
Argungu LGA
Augie LGA
Kalgo LGA
Sakaba LGA
Shanga LGA
Suru LGA
Koko/Besse LGA
Maiyama LGA
Ngaski LGA
Danko/Wasagu LGA
Yauri LGA
Zuru LGA
Aleiro LGA
Bagudo LGA
Birnin Kebbi LGA
Bunza LGA
- Kogi State – 21 Local Government Areas
Dekina LGA
Ibaji LGA
Idah LGA
Igalamela-Odolu LGA
Adavi LGA
Ajaokuta LGA
Ankpa LGA
Bassa LGA
Ijumu LGA
Ofu LGA
Ogori/Magongo LGA
Okehi LGA
Okene LGA
Olamaboro LGA
Kabba/Bunu LGA
Koton Karfe LGA
Lokoja LGA
Mopa-Muro LGA
Omala LGA
Yagba East LGA
Yagba West LGA.
- Kwara State – 16 Local Government Areas
Ilorin East LGA
Ilorin South LGA
Ilorin West LGA
Ifelodun LGA
Irepodun LGA
Isin LGA
Kaiama LGA
Moro LGA
Asa LGA
Baruten LGA
Edu LGA
Ekiti LGA
Offa LGA
Oke Ero LGA
Oyun LGA
Pategi LGA.
- Lagos State – 20 Local Government Areas
Apapa LGA
Mushin LGA
Ojo LGA
Oshodi –Isolo LGA
Shomolu LGA
Surulere LGA.
Badagry LGA
Epe LGA
Eti-Osa LGA
Ibeju- Lekki LGA
Ifako/Ijaye LGA
Ikeja LGA
Agege LGA
Alimosho Ifelodun LGA
Alimosho LGA
Amuwo-Odofin LGA
Ikorodu LGA
Kosofe LGA
Lagos Island LGA
Lagos Mainland LGA
- Nasarawa State – 13 Local Government Areas
Karu LGA
Nassarawa LGA
Nassarawa/Eggon LGA
Obi LGA
Toto LGA
Wamba LGA.
Keana LGA
Keffi LGA
Kokona LGA
Akwanga LGA
Awe LGA
Doma LGA
Lafia LGA
- Niger State–25 Local Government Areas
Gurara LGA
Katcha LGA
Bosso LGA
Chanchaga LGA
Edati LGA
Gbako LGA
Bida LGA
Borgu LGA
Lapai LGA
Lavun LGA
Kontagora LGA
Agaie LGA
Agwara LGA
Rafi LGA
Magama LGA
Mariga LGA
Mashegu LGA
Mokwa LGA
Rijau LGA
Shiroro LGA
Suleja LGA
Munya LGA
Paikoro LGA
Tafa LGA
Wushishi LGA.
- Ogun State–20 Local Government Areas
Ifo LGA
Ijebu East LGA
Ijebu North LGA
Ijebu North East LGA
Abeokuta North LGA
Abeokuta South LGA
Ado-Odo/Ota LGA
Imeko Afon LGA
Ipokia LGA
Obafemi Owode LGA
Odogbolu LGA
Sagamu LGA
Yewa North LGA,
Yewa South LGA.
Ewekoro LGA
Ijebu Ode LGA
Ikenne LGA
Odeda LGA
Ogun Waterside LGA
Remo North LGA
- Ondo State – 18 Local Government Areas
Akoko north LGA
Akoko north east LGA
Akoko south east LGA
Ondo LGA
Ondo east LGA
Ose LGA
Owo LGA.
Akoko south LGA
Akure north LGA
Akure LGA
Idanre LGA
Irele LGA
Odigbo LGA
Okitipupa LGA
Ifedore LGA
Ese Odo LGA
Ilaje LGA
Ile Oluji/Okeigbo LGA
- Osun State – 30 Local Government Areas
Bolawaduro LGA
Boripe, LGA
Ede LGA
Ede north LGA
Atakumosa west LGA
Atakumosa east LGA
Ayedaade LGA
Ayedire LGA
Ife south LGA
Ife east LGA
Ifedayo, Ifelodun LGA
Ilesha west LGA
Egbedore LGA
Ejigbo LGA
Ife north LGA
Ife central LGA
Ila- orangun LGA
Ilesah east LGA
Irepodun LGA
ola oluwa LGA
olorunda LGA
Oriade LGA, Orolu LGA
Osogbo LGA.
Irewole LGA
Isokan LGA
Iwo LGA
Obokun LGA
Odo-otin LGA
30 Oyo State – 33 Local Government Areas
Akinyele Moniya LGA
Afijio Jobele LGA
Ido LGA
Irepo LGA
Iseyin LGA
Egbeda Egbeda LGA
Ibadan North Agodi Gate LGA
Ibadan North-East Iwo Road LGA
Ibadan North-West LGA
Ibadan South-West Ring Road LGA
Ibadan South-East Mapo LGA
Ibarapa Central LGA
Ibarapa East Eruwa LGA
Kajola LGA
Lagelu LGA
Atisbo Tede LGA
Saki West LGA
Saki East LGA
Ogbomosho North LGA
Ogbomosho South LGA
Oyo West Ojongbodu LGA
Atiba Ofa Meta LGA
Itesiwaju Otu LGA
Iwajowa LGA
Surulere LGA
Orelope LGA
Ori Ire LGA
Ibarapa North LGA
Olorunsogo LGA
Oluyole LGA
Ogo Oluwa LGA
Oyo East LGA
Ona Ara LGA.
- Plateau State – 17 Local Government Areas
Bokkos LGA
Jos East LGA
Kanam LGA
Barkin Ladi LGA
Bassa LGA
Kanke LGA
Langtang North LGA
Jos North LGA
Jos South LGA
Langtang South LGA
Riyom LGA
Shendam LGA
Wase LGA.
Mangu LGA
Mikang LGA
Pankshin LGA
Qua’an Pan LGA
- Rivers State – 23 Local Government Areas
Abua-Odual LGA
Ahoada East LGA
Asari-Toru LGA
Bonny LGA
Etche LGA
Gokana LGA
Ikwerre LGA
Degema LGA
Ahoada West LGA
Akuku-Toru LGA
Andoni LGA
Eleme LGA
Emohua LGA
Oyigbo LGA
Khana LGA
Omumma LGA
Opobo-Nkoro LGA
Portharcourt LGA
Tai LGA
Obio-Akpor LGA
Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA
Ogu-bolo LGA
Okrika LGA
- Sokoto State – 23 Local Government Areas
Gada LGA
Isa LGA
Kebbe LGA
Kware LGA
Rabah LGA
Goronyo LGA
Gudu LGA
Gwadabawa LGA
Illela LGA
Sabon Birni LGA
Binji LGA
Bodinga LGA
Dange Shuni LGA
Shagari LGA
Tureta LGA
Wamako LGA
Wurno LGA
Yabo LGA.
Silame LGA
Sokoto North LGA
Sokoto South LGA
Tambuwal LGA
Tangaza LGA
- Taraba State – 16 Local Government Areas
Ardo Kola LGA
Bali LGA
Gassol LGA
Ibi LGA
Jalingo LGA
Donga LGA
Gashaka LGA
Karim Lamido LGA
Kurmi LGA
Wukari LGA
Yorro LGA
Zing LGA.
Lau LGA
Sardauna LGA
Takum LGA
Ussa LGA
- Yobe State – 17 Local Government Areas
Fune LGA
Jakusko LGA
Karasuwa LGA
Machina LGA
Bade LGA
Bursari LGA
Damaturu LGA
Geidam LGA
Gujba LGA
Potiskum LGA
Tarmuwa LGA
Gulani LGA
Fika LGA
Nangere LGA
Nguru LGA
Yunusari LGA
Yusufari LGA
.
- Zamfara State – 15 Local Government Areas
Bungudu LGA
Tsafe LGA
Shinkafi LGA
Talata Mafara LGA
Zurmi LGA.
Anka LGA
Bakura LGA
Birnin Magaji/Kiyaw LGA
Bukkuyum LGA
Gummi LGA
Gusau LGA
Kaura Namoda LGA
Maradun LGA
Maru LGA
Federal Capital Territory Abuja–6 LGAs
Gwagwalada LGA
Kuje LGA
Bwari LGA
Abaji LGA
Abuja Municipa LGA
Kwali LGA
