- Senator Sunday Karimi said the battle for local government autonomy is not over, as some governors will fight back
- Karimi thanked President Tinubu for allowing the judiciary to rule on the matter, despite being a first-term president seeking reelection in 2027
Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, has said the battle for local government autonomy is not over, as some governors will fight back.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the senator said the National Assembly will amend the constitution to address contentious issues, including the conduct of local government elections, to ensure state governments strictly adhere to the judgment. The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations. The court also granted autonomy to the local councils following a suit filed by the federal government.
Reacting to the judgment, the senator said, “These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
“Some state governors will fight back. President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective of the fact that he is but a first-term President who may desire a comeback in 2027.
“I thank Mr President for mustering the courage to do the right thing. Since 1999, the third tier of government speaking, has been nonexistent. State governments treated them as appendages of the state governments. No President has been able to change that.”
He said President Tinubu had made history following the “landmark judgment” on financial autonomy for local government areas.