Senate Holds Emergency Session to Address Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy Amidst Confusion and Calls for Constitutional Amendments
On Wednesday, the Senate held an emergency session amid heated discussions regarding the enforcement of financial autonomy for the 774 Local Government Councils, as granted by a Supreme Court ruling in August. Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North) initiated the debate, citing Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules. He accused several state governments of attempting to undermine the Supreme Court’s decision by enacting counter-laws through their state Houses of Assembly. Nwoye highlighted that nine other senators supported his motion, asserting that some governors were pursuing legislation that would compel local councils to deposit funds into a State/Local Government Joint Account—an action the Supreme Court had deemed unconstitutional.
Nwoye’s presentation included six requests aimed at enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling and was seconded by Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West). However, Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central) raised a constitutional point of order, calling for an end to the debate. He cited Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that Supreme Court judgments must be enforced throughout the country, arguing that there was no need for further discussion on the matter. Aliero emphasized, “Supreme Court judgements are enforceable across the country. There is no need for us to be debating anything that has to do with it here.”
During the Senate’s emergency session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed Senator Adamu Aliero’s position regarding the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy. Akpabio referenced Section 162, subsection 6 of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes the State/Local Government Joint Account, and indicated that constitutional amendments would be essential for fully implementing the Supreme Court’s decision. He stated, “I think what we need to do is to carry out the required amendments to certain provisions of the Constitution as far as local government autonomy is concerned.”
Before a conclusive decision could be reached on the motion, Senator Tony Nwoye invoked Order 42 of the Senate Standing Rules to provide a personal explanation. At the same time, Senator Abdulrahman Summaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano South) raised a similar point of order. The simultaneous nature of these points of order created confusion among senators, prompting many to consult with the Senate President.
The situation escalated, leading the Senate to convene an emergency closed-door session at 12:46 PM to address the growing turmoil.
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