The African Action Congress (AAC) strongly condemns what it describes as deliberate sabotage and institutional defiance by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State House of Assembly against the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment affirming full autonomy for local governments across Nigeria.
The Supreme Court, in a decisive ruling delivered in July 2024, upheld the constitutional right of local governments to financial and administrative independence, mandating that funds from the Federation Account be disbursed directly to Local Government Area (LGA) accounts. This judgment, hailed as a victory for grassroots governance and true federalism, is now under threat by those entrusted to uphold the rule of law.
AAC expresses grave concern that, despite the clarity of the Court’s decision, the Lagos State Government—under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu and with the complicity of the Lagos State House of Assembly—continues to interfere with local council funds and operations. The use of illegal joint accounts and proposed legislation that undermines local authority are blatant violations of both the Constitution and the Supreme Court's ruling.
Furthermore, AAC calls out President Tinubu for his silence and inaction, despite receiving reports and recommendations on enforcing the court’s decision nationwide. As a former Governor of Lagos State and a self-professed democrat, the President’s failure to lead on this matter raises serious questions about his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and devolution of power.
AAC also decries recent actions such as the suspension of elected local government officials by the Lagos Assembly, which further erodes democratic structures and undermines the will of the people at the grassroots level.
We call on the Nigerian public, civil society organizations, and all defenders of democracy to join the AAC in resisting any attempt to weaken local governance. The party will initiate legal action, organize peaceful protests, and collaborate with other progressive forces to ensure that the Supreme Court's judgment is fully respected and implemented.