By Tunde Olamilekan
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has appealed to the Federal Government to immediately release statutory allocations due to local government councils in Osun State.
The association described the withholding of the funds as unconstitutional and a violation of judicial pronouncements.
It would be recalled that the Osun LG allocations have been withheld since February due to the ongoing leadership tussle between the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the NBA urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end what it termed “a dangerous precedent” that undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions.
The letter was signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara.
Referencing Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the financial autonomy of local governments, the association warned that continued withholding of the funds constitutes an affront to clear judgments of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
NBA emphasized that the President has no power to suspend, withhold, or direct the suspension of statutory allocations due to local councils.
The letter stated that noting that the Association’s National Litigation Committee and Section on Public Interest and Development Law had been directed to engage key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Osun State Government, and the National Assembly, on the issue.
The NBA added that if dialogue fails, it may institute a public interest suit “to put a halt to the continuing desecration, wanton violation, utter disregard and total disrespect of the Constitution and the courts.”
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