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… Questions AGF’s Inaction
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Legal icon and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly condemned states – including Lagos – that have failed to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, describing their actions as treasonable.
Falana criticized the ongoing delay in enforcing the 2024 Supreme Court ruling which granted financial autonomy to local government areas across Nigeria.
The landmark judgment had reaffirmed that local councils are constitutionally recognized tiers of government and should control their finances independently – without state interference.
While the Supreme Court decision was widely celebrated by local government chairmen and acknowledged by the federal government, its implementation remains stalled in several states across the country.
In a candid interview with Daily Independent, Falana expressed dismay over the inaction of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, who he believes should be ensuring compliance with the ruling.
“Why don’t you call the Attorney-General and ask him, ‘Why have you not complied with the judgment of the court?”, Falana asked.
He emphasized that the AGF must be held responsible, stating emphatically that failure to enforce the judgment equates to treason.
Falana didn’t mince words about the need for accountability among public officials.
“You can quote me and say that the Attorney-General should be asked to explain why the judgment has not been obeyed. So to me, you’re asking the wrong people,” he added, directing blame at those charged with upholding the rule of law.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling is seen as a critical step towards strengthening grassroots governance and reducing state-level interference in local administration. Yet, the lack of political will to enforce it is now seen as a threat to constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria”, he stated.
As tension builds, legal experts and civic organizations are ramping up pressure on the federal government to take urgent steps toward full enforcement of the court’s judgment, warning that political inaction must not be allowed to undermine judicial authority.
