Immediate Past President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has urged his colleagues to seek more than passing interest in the enforcement of Supreme Court judgement on financial autonomy for the local government in the country.
Senator Lawan made the declaration on Friday while speaking at the retreat of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Kano.
The apex court had last July in a unanimous judgement affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
In the lead judgement delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim which upheld the suit brought by the federal government to strengthen the independence of local governments in the country, the apex court held that the local governments across the country should, henceforth, receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation.
The justices ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas (LGAs) in their states.
Checks received that the majority of the governors across parties divide have expressed strong reservations about the Supreme Court judgement.
Addressing the gathering of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review led by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senator Lawan maintained that the local councils have been run aground by the State governor’s grip on their funds as he noted that the Parliament must take concerted efforts to ensure the enforcement of the apex court judgement.
He said, “Mr. Chairman, I believe that the local government’s financial autonomy is a must.
“The Supreme Court made or gave a judgment. This time, the National Assembly should give effect to that judgment. States should mind their business and deal with the resources that are purely theirs. Our local governments must be resuscitated.
“At the moment, they are comatose, collapsed, and completely docile and inefficient. In fact, in many states, they don’t even exist in practical sense and many of us would attribute the present level of insecurity in Nigeria to the collapse of the local government system in Nigeria.
“Give them the opportunity to serve, even if the capacity is not there. Let our professors, our present senators, our present members of the House, State House or Assembly, who desire to work for local governments, go back and serve at that level.”
To address the security challenge across the country, the former President of the Senate also advised the Constitution Review Committee to create an advisory role for traditional rulers.
“I believe that our royal fathers should be given an advisory, official formal role that will make them better and also make them accountable .”
Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Review Committee, Barau Jibrin implored his colleagues to seek to prepare a document that will promote justice, equity and serve the interest of all Nigerians.
He equally tasked colleagues to seek collaboration with members of same Committee in the House of Representatives.
“We are here in furtherance to the performance of the assignment given to us by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to work on the 1999 constitution to put it in the best place to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“It is, therefore, an assignment for us to work in synergy with our colleagues and other stakeholders to produce an outstanding report and recommendations, which, of course, will be composed of suggestions and recommendations to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for further deliberation and approval.
“As we embark on this critical journey, let us remember the timeless values that make nations great: freedom, equality, and justice. These enduring ideals should guide us through this arduous task.
“As we consider desirable amendments to our Constitution, I implore that we do so with the utmost care and consideration. Our decisions today will have far-reaching implications for generations to come, and we must ensure that they are in the best interests of all Nigerians.
“Furthermore, to achieve meaningful reform, we must synergise with our esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review and collaborate with critical stakeholders, including the executive arm of government, State Governors, State Assemblies, the judiciary, and civil society organisations, to build consensus on contentious issues. Our collective success hinges on our ability to work together seamlessly, sharing ideas and expertise to develop a report to be submitted to the Senate for further legislative actions.
“This retreat presents a unique opportunity for constructive good-faith dialogue and collective problem-solving.”
Honourable Julius Ihonvbere who represented Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Benjamin Kalu, appealed to the Senate to seek colloboration with traditional rulers, leaders of faith-based organizations and the Nigeria Governors Forum.
He also called for a joint Retreat of Senate and House Committee on Constitution Review; joint Retreat of the Consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives
Committee to harmonise Documents; and Zonal Public Hearings.
“Both the Senate and House Committees will jointly resolve on suitable dates for the activities.”
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly who incidentally is the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin in his goodwill message, advised the federal Lawmakers to ensure prompt transmission of the National Assembly’s resolutions on the proposed amendments to the State Houses of Assembly.
He noted that “timely submission is essential to allow us at the sub-national level to effectively fulfill our responsibilities. We recall the challenges posed by electioneering activities during the 2023 general elections, which nearly hampered the last constitutional alteration. We are determined to avoid a recurrence, and an early start will be key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process.”
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