Dr. Alex Izinyon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has sharply criticized the National Assembly for its failure to enact legislation enforcing the Supreme Court’s rulings on local government autonomy. Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on July 11, 2024, which mandated that funds intended for local governments be directly deposited into their accounts, the National Assembly has yet to take the necessary legislative actions to implement this decision.
The ruling, celebrated by many, has also faced criticism from those who argue it contradicts federalism principles. Dr. Izinyon acknowledged these differing opinions but emphasized the Supreme Court’s critical role in balancing socio-economic and political considerations in its rulings. He cited the late Hon. Justice Oputa, stating that the Supreme Court’s finality is not due to infallibility but because it is the last resort in legal matters.
Dr. Izinyon expressed concern that the National Assembly has neglected its duty to address the dissolution of democratically elected local governments by state governors, which the Supreme Court has repeatedly declared unconstitutional. He questioned why the Assembly has not corrected, through legislation, the joint account issue between states and local governments, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
He urged the National Assembly to fulfill its legislative obligations, stressing that the Supreme Court has already done its part by issuing rulings in the interest of justice. Dr. Izinyon called for the Assembly to enact enabling legislation to give force to the Supreme Court’s decisions and ensure proper accountability, warning that local government councils must seize this opportunity to improve governance.