The Federal Government has hinted at returning to the Supreme Court to clarify states’ powers in conducting local government elections.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents’ conference in Abuja, citing concerns over state governments’ legislation to control local governments through elections.
Fagbemi emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the independence of the 774 local governments, ensuring life returns to the lowest tier of government. He cautioned against sensationalism and non-factual reporting, stressing the importance of judiciary reporting.
The Attorney General revealed that since the July 11 Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria, state governments have instituted legislation to continue controlling local governments through elections, which could be challenged before the Supreme Court.
“We are not resting on our oars, and if we have no meaningful response, we may have to ask the Supreme Court to help us look at the constitution to see what would be allowed to conduct local government elections in the form we have now,” Fagbemi said.
He warned state governors against tampering with local government funds, citing gross misconduct and potential impeachment.
On her part, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun highlighted the judiciary and media’s complementary roles in democratic societies, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting without sensationalism.
Meanwhile, Justice John Tsoho urged journalists to report court proceedings accurately. The conference, themed “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” aimed to promote effective judiciary reporting and foster collaboration between the judiciary and media.
