The Senate was in a state of disarray on Wednesday as it addressed the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling in August, which granted financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Councils across Nigeria.
The turmoil began after the Senate dealt with a series of petitions. Senator Tony Nwoye from Anambra North raised a Point of Order that was acknowledged by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Nwoye cited alleged attempts by certain state governments to undermine the Supreme Court’s decision by passing counter legislation in their state assemblies.
While presenting his case, Nwoye indicated that nine other Senators supported his motion. He accused some governors of enacting laws that would force local councils to deposit their funds into State/Local Government Joint Accounts, a practice deemed illegal by the Supreme Court.
