In a bold and unwavering stance, Afenifere, the preeminent Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, has vehemently criticized the recent Supreme Court ruling that grants financial autonomy to local government areas across Nigeria. This verdict, according to Afenifere, marks a grave regression for the nation’s federalism.
The group’s disapproval was articulated in a forceful statement co-signed by its esteemed leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and the National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye. They lamented that the ruling inflicts profound harm on the Nigerian state, condemning it as a “judicial conspiracy” orchestrated in concert with the Bola Tinubu-led administration, which they accuse of undermining the very bedrock of federalism and national stability.
“Afenifere views the judgement of the Supreme Court in the case filed by the Federal Government on the so-called local government autonomy as a sheer judicial conspiracy in cahoots with the Tinubu administration against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism,” the statement declared.
Afenifere underscored that Nigeria’s federal structure, as enshrined in Section 2(2) of the 1999 Constitution, recognizes only a two-tier system comprising the central government and federating states. They stressed that the verdict erroneously expands the division of powers to include local governments, contravening constitutional provisions.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Afenifere makes bold to say that in line with its negotiated basis of existence, Nigeria is a ‘Federation consisting of States and a Federal Capital Territory,’ as affirmed by Section 2(2) of the 1999 Constitution,” the group stated.
While condemning corruption and the misuse of public funds at all levels of government, Afenifere decried the subjugation of states and their constitutional roles, including the local government system, to the whims and caprices of the federal government. They pointed to the manipulation of the federation account as a glaring example of this overreach.
The statement highlighted Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that “each state shall maintain a special account to be called ‘State Joint Local Government Account,’ into which shall be paid all allocations to the local government councils of the state from the Federation Account and from the Government of the state.”
Afenifere argued that the Supreme Court’s interpretation undermines the constitutional role of states in managing local government affairs. They called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and a return to the principles of true federalism, as envisioned by the nation’s founders.
In a resounding call to action, Afenifere advocated for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s political framework to uphold the essence of federalism. They asserted that the management of local governments should remain within the exclusive jurisdiction of states, either through direct constitutional mandates or residual powers in a federal system.
As the debate over local government autonomy continues to unfold, Afenifere’s passionate defense of federalism serves as a clarion call for preserving the nation’s constitutional integrity and fostering a more balanced and just governance structure.
PIONEER NEWS 