The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to “immediately account for and return the local government funds which they have collected over the years.”
SERAP’s appeal came in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling on Thursday that declared the practice of state governors and the FCT minister withholding and utilising funds intended for local governments unconstitutional.
In a statement signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Thursday, the organisation said, “We applaud the Supreme Court for this groundbreaking decision which will end the persistent alleged misappropriation public funds meant for local governments.
“Following the Supreme Court judgment, there is now a clear legal precedent to hold governors and FCT minister to account for how they have spent the local government funds collected by them.”
“Accounting for and returning the LGA funds collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”
“If the governors and FCT minister fail to account for and return the funds meant for local governments in their states and FCT within 7 days, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the governors and FCT minister to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Federal Government, seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all 774 local government councils in the country.
The 36 state governments, represented by their attorneys general, filed a counterclaim, challenging the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to preside over the case.
SERAP Issues 7 Days Notice To Governors, Wike To Return LG Funds Or Face Legal Action
