The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has affirmed that nobody can rewrite the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy.
OsunDailyNG reports that Fagbemi’s remark comes amidst the recently enacted Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024, which Governor Charles Soludo argued was necessary due to the complexities surrounding absolute local government autonomy.
Soludo said, “Absolute autonomy for the 774 local government areas in the country is unrealistic and could cause disorder if not carefully structured.”
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday during a media chat, Fagbemi stressed that the apex court’s decision is binding and non-negotiable.
According to him, all parties must comply with the court’s ruling, noting that the speculation of a three-month grace period for the ruling’s implementation is false.
Dismissing any attempt to amend the Supreme Court’s ruling, the AGF said. “Are they going to rewrite the judgment of the Supreme Court? Once we have the full details of their law, we will act accordingly.
“There is no such moratorium. The judgment was passed, but we acknowledged the need to establish certain frameworks before full implementation. Nonetheless, implementation is compulsory, and no one can avoid it.”
Fagbemi also warned that any state attempting to disregard the Supreme Court ruling would be in contempt.
He added, “I am aware that one or two states are heading in that direction, but they must understand that there is no moratorium for anyone. The judgment will be enforced.”
