Governors Flouting LG Autonomy Ruling Risk Prosecution — Senator Sunday Karimi Warns

Governors Flouting LG Autonomy Ruling Risk Prosecution — Senator Sunday Karimi Warns
Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, has issued a strong warning to state governors across Nigeria, stating that those who continue to violate the Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy risk facing prosecution.
Karimi made the declaration on Friday while addressing his constituents, stressing that the era of impunity in the administration of local government funds must come to an end.
Supreme Court Judgment Still Binding
The senator recalled the landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on July 25, 2024, which ordered that federal allocations to Nigeria’s 774 local government councils be paid directly to them, without interference from state governments.
According to Karimi, the ruling was explicit and left no room for misinterpretation, as it was aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring that funds meant for development at the local level reach their rightful destinations.
“Any governor or state official who continues to tamper with local government funds in defiance of the Supreme Court judgment is acting unlawfully and risks prosecution,” Karimi stated.
End to State Control of LG Funds
Karimi, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, emphasized that the Supreme Court ruling effectively abolished the long-standing practice of state governments controlling local government allocations through joint accounts.
He noted that this practice had crippled development at the grassroots, leaving many local councils unable to deliver basic services such as primary healthcare, education, rural roads, and sanitation.
Call for Compliance and Accountability
The senator urged governors to respect the rule of law and comply fully with the judgment, warning that continued violations would attract legal consequences as enforcement mechanisms are being strengthened.
He added that the National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the ruling is implemented in full, describing local government autonomy as a critical pillar for national development.
Grassroots Development at Stake
Karimi argued that genuine local government autonomy would promote transparency, improve service delivery, and restore public confidence in governance at the grassroots level.
He also encouraged local government chairmen to rise to the responsibility that comes with financial independence by ensuring prudent use of public funds.
A Defining Moment for Federalism
Political analysts say the Supreme Court ruling represents a turning point in Nigeria’s federal structure, as it seeks to rebalance power and resources in favour of local councils.
With growing calls for enforcement, governors who continue to disregard the judgment may soon find themselves facing legal action, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest for accountability and good governance.