In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has extended the tenure of all Local Government Chairmen across the country to four years, a decision that strengthens the autonomy of local governments nationwide.
The judgment, delivered on May 11, 2024, by Justice Mohammed Garba and six other justices, marks a significant victory for grassroots governance.
Justice Garba, in the Certified-True-Copy (CTC) of the judgment, highlighted the plight of local governments, which have been starved of resources and authority by state governments.
He described the situation as “one tier of government’s inhumanity to another tier of government,” noting that local governments are constitutionally recognized as the third tier of government in Nigeria.
The ruling underscores the constitutional and financial independence of local governments, affirming their critical role in the federal structure of the country.
Garba cited various sections of the Constitution, emphasizing that local governments are not mere extensions of state governments but are independent entities with their mandates and responsibilities.
The judgment also addresses the failure of some states to conduct timely elections for local government councils, often leaving these councils in a state of limbo.
Justice Garba made it clear that any extension of tenure must be legally justified, such as in cases of insecurity or other compelling reasons, and must reflect the electorate’s mandate.
This landmark ruling is expected to bring much-needed stability and empowerment to local governments, ensuring that they can perform their statutory functions without undue interference from state governments.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of all tiers of government in Nigeria.
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