President Bola Tinubu has been advised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to withhold federal allocations to states that have failed and or refused to conduct credible local government elections.
Speaking in a letter dated October 5, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP stated that the current administration is obligated to enforce the Nigerian constitution and to “prevent public wrong, including by state governors.”
“A democratically elected local government council does not and should not exist at the pleasure, whims, and caprice of governors or their ‘political godfathers.
“Your government also has the constitutional obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of federal allocations and immediate compliance with the judgement by the Supreme Court and the rule of law.
“Local government councils are entitled to a direct payment from the Federation Account to promote good governance, people’s welfare, and the development of local government areas across the country.”
“Where the rule of law reigns, political expediency ought to be sacrificed on the altar of the rule of law so as to guarantee the continued existence of institutions created to promote social values of liberty, orderly conduct, and development.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest,” part of the letter reads.
