LG Autonomy: NASS to Enforce Supreme Court Ruling, Crack Down on ‘Kleptomaniac’ Governors, Says Senator
Senator Sunday Karimi has assured that the National Assembly (NASS) will enact legislation to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s stance.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Services, spoke to constituents in Kogi West Senatorial District during the yuletide break, PulseNets learnt.
He reminded the public of the Supreme Court’s July 25, 2024 judgment, which directed that federal allocations be sent directly to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils without state interference.
Karimi criticised governors who have ignored the ruling, describing their actions as “unconstitutional” and counterproductive to efforts aimed at “strengthening grassroots democracy.”
He warned that defiant governors could face legal action as the National Assembly moves to prioritise enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The parliament will introduce laws to ensure that the third tier of government receives its allocations directly, without any manipulation,” he told PulseNets.
Citing the judgment, the senator noted that governors’ control over local government funds was declared unconstitutional and that caretaker committees were illegal. He emphasised that the ruling was designed to “fortify grassroots governance by ensuring funds reach elected officials directly.”
PulseNets learnt that despite the Supreme Court’s clarity, some states continue to flout and disrespect the directive. Karimi recalled that President Tinubu had warned APC leaders of a potential executive order should governors persist in defiance, highlighting the president’s restraint despite having constitutional powers to compel compliance.
“The National Assembly will support the president by passing laws—some retroactive—to ensure adherence,” Karimi said.
He accused certain governors of “kleptomania and squandermania,” asserting that offenders would be prosecuted, compelled to return misappropriated funds, and punished.
PulseNets obtained that Karimi claimed trillions of naira intended for citizens have been siphoned by “gluttonous governors.” He added:
“These laws will trace the kleptomania and reckless spending of governors who have been looting the nation’s resources. They will face prosecution, be forced to restitute, and punished for undermining the welfare of the populace by stealing what rightfully belongs to them.
“Despite the administration releasing unprecedented funds, many Nigerians still feel little impact.”
Karimi also cited the Chief of Defence Staff, who linked worsening insecurity to non-functioning local governments, creating ungoverned spaces.
“Some governors and their inner circles treat local government funds as their monthly dessert,” he alleged, speaking to PulseNets.
Also Read: Senators, Reps Fume as Akpabio Orders NASS Clerk to Withhold Certified Copy of Tax Bill Sent to Tinubu for Assent
He further reported that this mismanagement has rendered councils dysfunctional and incapable of delivering basic services. Karimi claimed some states divert local government allocations through voucher racketeering schemes even after funds reach council accounts.
