The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to immediately account for and return local government funds collected over the years. This follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling declaring the practice of withholding and utilizing funds meant for local governments unconstitutional.
SERAP applauds the Supreme Court’s decision, stating it will end the alleged misappropriation of trillions of naira in FAAC allocations meant for local governments. The organization demands that governors and the FCT minister account for and return the funds within 7 days, failure of which will lead to legal action.
According to SERAP, returning the funds will build trust in democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law, alleviate poverty, and improve access to basic public goods. The organization notes that states and the FCT have collected over N40 trillion in federal allocations meant for local governments since 1999.
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after the Attorney General of the Federation filed a lawsuit seeking full autonomy and direct funding for local government councils. The 36 state governments had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, but the ruling favors the Federal Government.
(SOURCE: Report Afrique)