The House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, has praised his father, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, for being the first governor in Northern Nigeria to attempt to grant local governments full autonomy.
His comments come at a time of significant legal developments regarding local government financial independence in Nigeria.
In a post on X, Bello El-Rufai stated, “Mal. @elrufai was the first Governor in Northern Nigeria to attempt granting local government full autonomy. History will vindicate Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.”
This statement by Bello El-Rufai comes on the heels of a landmark Supreme Court decision that has direct implications for local government autonomy. On the same day, Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governments to manage or withhold local government allocations. The ruling, which arose from a suit filed by Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi on behalf of the Nigerian Government, marks a pivotal moment in the push for local government autonomy.
According to Justice Agim, “No more payments of local government area allocations will be made to state government accounts.” The Supreme Court’s decision prohibits state governors from receiving, tampering with, or withholding funds allocated for local governments. Additionally, the court declared that governors cannot dissolve democratically elected local government officials, labeling such actions as unconstitutional breaches of the 1999 Constitution.
Bello El-Rufai’s comments underscore his father’s early and often unrecognized efforts to promote local government autonomy in Northern Nigeria. Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration was noted for its ambitious initiatives aimed at decentralizing power and increasing local government independence, a move that was ahead of its time in the region.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling reinforces the push for a more transparent and autonomous local government system, aligning with the principles that El-Rufai championed during his tenure. The decision not only supports the autonomy of local governments but also aims to enhance their ability to manage resources and execute policies effectively.
