LG Autonomy: Ex-AG Imo, Ume writes AGF, tasks Nigerian govt on true federalism

A former Attorney General of Imo State, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, SAN has asked the federal government to immediately embark on a holistic restructuring of the country having secured financial autonomy for the Local Government Councils in Nigeria.

In a message to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, Ume asked him to move further to secure a holistic and comprehensive independence and autonomy of the courts and other State Houses of Assembly.

He said the steps if taken, would become preludes to positioning the country in a functional and meaningful federalism that holds hopes for future generations.

The letter dated July 12, 2024, reads in part: “I sincerely appreciate and congratulate your good self and your office on your patriotic and historic efforts in conceiving, instituting and prosecuting the above much needed constitutional suit at the Supreme Court of Nigeria leading to the heartwarming pronouncement of the court on the crucial political and financial autonomy of the Local Government Councils.

“We look forward to God continuing to assist you with the same wisdom, vision and strength of mind to further pull the country into institutionalising a holistic and comprehensive independence and autonomy of the courts and other State Houses of Assembly during your tenure.

“We also look forward to these becoming preludes to positioning our country into a functional and meaningful federalism that holds hopes for our children.

“The inevitable truth is that no living thing can exist without a good structure. The tree must have taproot in the soil, and grow its stem, branches and leaves to bear fruits.

“As of today, Nigeria is lacking these fundamental structures and that is why we are where we are today.

“Your bold and far-reaching endeavours have rejuvenated the true intentions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as to the independence and autonomy of the Local Government system, particularly on the intents and purpose of the federal constitutional democracy of our country, ” the letter reads.