Autonomy: FG to Sanction 8 Governors for Failure to Conduct Local Government Elections (Full List)
By Wisdom Tide
October 27, 2024
The Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to impose sanctions on at least eight state governors who have not conducted local government elections in their states, thereby violating a Supreme Court judgment mandating financial autonomy for local governments. The sanctions are expected to ensure compliance with the October 31 deadline for implementing the court's decision.
Background: Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court granted local governments financial autonomy and ordered the Federal Government to withhold allocations to states that have not held local government elections. This ruling is intended to enable local governments to receive funds directly from the federation account, bypassing state governments, which often delay or control these disbursements.
FG’s Warning to Governors
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, announced the Federal Government's readiness to implement sanctions, emphasizing that there would be no compromise on enforcing local government autonomy. According to Fagbemi, failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling will result in the suspension of federal allocations to local governments within the affected states.
Deadline for Compliance
The Federal Government has set an October 31 deadline for states to implement the Supreme Court's mandate. States that fail to meet this deadline will face financial repercussions as the Federal Government will suspend local government allocations to non-compliant states.
States and Governors at Risk of Sanctions
The following states and their governors have yet to conduct local government elections, despite the impending deadline:
1. Ondo State: Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
- Current Status: Ondo State has postponed its local government election multiple times. Initially scheduled for December 2023, the election has been rescheduled to January 18, 2025. Ondo has 18 local governments.
- Sanctions Impact: The state risks losing federal allocations for its local governments if elections are not conducted by October 31.
2. Osun State: Governor Ademola Adeleke
- Current Status: Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has scheduled local government elections for February 22, 2025. The state has 30 local governments.
- Sanctions Impact: Osun’s delay may result in the suspension of federal funds, affecting local government operations.
3. Katsina State: Governor Umar Dikko Radda
- Current Status: Katsina plans to hold local government elections on February 15, 2025. This delay could impact the 34 local governments in the state.
- Sanctions Impact: Federal allocations will be withheld, affecting local government funding if the October deadline is missed.
4. Cross River State: Governor Bassey Otu
- Current Status: Cross River's local government elections are scheduled for November 2, 2024. The state has 18 local governments.
- Sanctions Impact: Federal funding for local governments may be withheld until elections are conducted.
5. Abia State: Governor Alex Otti
- Current Status: Abia State has set its local government elections for November 2, 2024.
- Sanctions Impact: Local governments in Abia will not receive federal allocations if elections are delayed beyond the October 31 deadline.
6. Ogun State: Governor Dapo Abiodun
- Current Status: Ogun State's local government election is set for November 16, 2024, and the state has 20 local governments.
- Sanctions Impact: Federal allocations could be withheld, impacting local governance.
7. Nasarawa State: Governor Abdullahi Sule
- Current Status: Nasarawa has scheduled its local government elections for November 2, 2024, and it has 14 local governments.
- Sanctions Impact: Federal funding may be suspended if the state fails to meet the court’s deadline.
8. Zamfara State: Governor Dauda Lawal
- Current Status: Zamfara has planned its local government elections for November 16, 2024. The state has one local government.
- Sanctions Impact: The Federal Government will withhold funds if Zamfara does not comply with the Supreme Court ruling by October 31.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s initiative to sanction states that have not conducted local government elections underscores its commitment to enforcing financial autonomy at the grassroots level. By upholding the Supreme Court's ruling, the government aims to ensure that local governments can independently manage their finances and better serve their communities
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