The Supreme Court has delayed its decision on the Federal Government’s lawsuit seeking full autonomy for the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.

On Thursday, June 13, a seven-member panel led by Justice Garba Lawal decided to reserve judgment after state governors, represented by their Attorneys-General, presented their arguments. The governors asked for the case to be dismissed and claimed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had no legal right to file the lawsuit.

The governors also claimed their right to a fair hearing was violated because they were not given a copy of an additional affidavit submitted by the Attorney-General. Some states argued they already have elected local government officials, making the lawsuit unnecessary and a misuse of the court’s time.

The Federal Government wants the Supreme Court to ensure local governments have full autonomy as a third level of government. It asked the court to stop governors from unlawfully dissolving elected local government officials.

Additionally, the Federal Government requested that local governments receive their funds directly from the Federation Account, rather than through joint accounts controlled by the governors, which it argues is unconstitutional.

After hearing both sides, the court, led by Justice Lawal, stated it would inform the parties of the judgment date later.