The National Assembly has pledged its full support to President Bola Tinubu in enforcing financial autonomy for Nigeria's 774 local government councils and recovering trillions of naira allegedly diverted by state governments. This commitment was made by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services and representative of Kogi West.
Senate to Enact Laws Enforcing Supreme Court Ruling
Senator Karimi stated that the legislature is ready to pass comprehensive laws to ensure strict compliance with the landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 25, 2024. The apex court had ordered the direct disbursement of federal allocations to local governments, nullified the use of caretaker committees, and declared state governors' control over LG finances as unconstitutional.
Speaking to his constituents during the yuletide break, Karimi described the ruling as a watershed moment meant to strengthen grassroots democracy and improve accountability. He lamented that despite the clear and final judgment, several state governments have continued to flout the court's order.
Institutionalised Theft and Security Consequences
Karimi alleged that trillions of naira intended for local development have been systematically looted by some governors, their associates, and political godfathers. He detailed a scheme of organised financial fraud where, even after direct payments to LG accounts, state-controlled networks operate voucher racketeering for fictitious projects.
"No projects are executed, yet funds are withdrawn steadily and regularly," he said, calling it institutionalised theft. He linked the collapse of local administration to the worsening security crisis, echoing the Chief of Defence Staff's warning that dysfunctional LGs create ungoverned spaces exploited by terrorists and bandits.
Legislative Backing for Recovery and Accountability
The senator warned that the National Assembly would not stand by while the Supreme Court judgment is treated with contempt. "We will prioritise this matter and back the President with robust legislation — including retroactive provisions where applicable — to track the looting of local government funds, compel recovery, and ensure accountability," Karimi asserted.
He noted that President Tinubu had shown restraint but might issue an Executive Order to compel compliance, as hinted during a recent APC National Executive Committee meeting. Karimi concluded that restoring LG autonomy is critical for national development, security, and democratic consolidation, vowing that perpetrators would face accountability.
