Coalition of Civil Society Organizations working on anti-corruption and good governance in Nigeria on Wednesday called on Federal Government and National Assembly to ensure full compliance with the Supreme Court judgement on Local Government autonomy.
The Coalition’s Spokesman, Comrade Rafisanjani stated this in Abuja during the press briefing organised by the Coalition, expressed grave concern over the hard stance of some Governors who challenged the Supreme Court judgement.
In line with the apex Court judgement, the Coalition which comprises of 40 CSOs underscored the urgent need for Federal Government and National Assembly to put necessary sanctions for non-compliance.
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Comrade Rafisanjani alleged that the “actions of some State Governors threaten not only the fight against corruption but also the autonomy of local governments—a fundamental pillar of grassroots democracy.
“The recent legal battles waged by these Governors represent a blatant disregard for the rule of law and are an attempt to undermine the progress Nigeria has made in establishing institutions that hold public officials accountable.
“We express deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of the recent actions of some State Governors targeted at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and by implications other anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in the country such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and key law enforcement agencies (LEAs) like the Nigeria Police Force; preparatory to the commencement of full implementation of the recent Supreme Court judgment with regards to Local Government autonomy in Nigeria.
“The suits reportedly filed by 16 Nigerian Governors at the Supreme Court, seeking amongst others to declare the EFCC and NFIU as illegal bodies, and unconstitutional their legally assigned acts at the subnational levels, not only undermines the efforts in the fight against corruption but also sends a dangerous signal that accountability and transparency can be subverted for political expediency.
“These Governors, under the guise of legal technicalities, have challenged the legality of the EFCC—a body that has operated effectively for over 20 years in line with Nigerian law.
“The consolidated suit, which has now been scheduled for hearing on October 22, 2024, pleas for a declaration that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC, NFIU or any other agency lacks the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument howsoever called for the administration and management of funds belonging to a state; a declaration that EFCC, NFIU, or any agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot investigate, requisition documents, invite and or arrests anyone with respect to offences arising from or touching on the administration and management of funds belonging to a state or any Local Government area.”
Comrade Rafisanjani said, “We stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who believe in justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
“We are committed to advocating for the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government financial autonomy and call on all stakeholders to join us in this cause.
“Therefore, we make the following demands: Immediate Compliance with the Supreme Court Judgment,
“We demand that all State Governors must fully comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment, immediately ending all forms of interference in the financial affairs of Local Government Councils.
“We call on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to institute and enforce appropriate sanctions against any Governor or public official who continues to flout the constitutional financial autonomy of Local Governments.
“This includes withholding of funds to any state that takes any steps inimical to the financial autonomy of Local Governments.
To this end, the Coalition harped on the need for Financial Intelligence Units to carry out oversight of the Local Government activities and the utilisation of the budgetary allocations.
“We urge the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to continue its oversight of Local Government finances and ensure strict adherence to its guidelines for the disbursement of funds to Local Governments.
“Enhanced Public Accountability: We call on Local Governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of their funds.
“The financial independence of Local Governments should be accompanied by proper mechanisms to guarantee judicious use of resources for the benefit of the people at the grassroots.”
The Coalition also called on the “National Assembly to intensify its oversight function to ensure that the constitutional provisions for Local Government autonomy are fully implemented and protected.
“Local Governments play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Their financial autonomy is not just a constitutional matter; it is a fundamental component of our democracy and the realization of sustainable development at the grassroots.
“The continued violation of this autonomy by some State Governors must stop, and we, as a society, must remain vigilant in ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
“We call on all citizens, stakeholders, and public institutions to join us in demanding justice, transparency, and full compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more accountable system of governance that truly serves the needs of every Nigerian, starting from the grassroots.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE