Justice Emmanuel Agim has made a landmark ruling that local government funds should be paid directly to local government councils. This decision is seen as a major step toward improving development, security, and infrastructure in Nigeria.
Matthew Ibadin, CEO of Badinson Security Services, praised the ruling. He called it “an achievement worthy of celebration” and said it is like a birthday gift to all Nigerians as it will speed up development at the grassroots level.
Ibadin explained that before this ruling, local governments often could not start or complete projects because of financial problems. “They could only issue marriage, birth, and death certificates,” he said. “This judgment will change that and empower local governments to lead their own development.”
He also urged the government to establish state and local police forces. Ibadin suggested Nigeria could learn from the United States, where state police and county sheriffs serve communities by enforcing court orders, serving warrants, and more. He asked the Presidency to send a bill to the National Assembly to create similar police forces in Nigeria. “Local crime needs local solutions,” he said.
Ibadin criticized the practice of governors removing elected local government chairmen, calling it unconstitutional. “Just as the president cannot remove an elected governor, governors should not remove local government chairmen,” he said.
He also emphasized that local governments should control primary schools. “This would allow education to meet local needs better and improve quality for children,” Ibadin added.
On federalism, Ibadin called for true federalism where states create policies based on their own needs. He said less viable states should be acquired by more viable neighbors. For example, if Ogun State is not viable, Lagos State should be able to acquire it for development purposes.
Ibadin said states should generate their own revenue and pay taxes to the federal government, instead of relying on monthly allocations. He compared this to banks acquiring weaker banks.
Finally, he proposed regional integration of the South-West, South-East, North-West, and North-East into the constitution.
As Nigerians celebrate the court’s ruling, the challenge now is to implement it fully. Local governments must be equipped to manage their new powers. Respecting the rule of law is essential for democracy, development, and security in Nigeria.
