Is Lagos on the Verge of a Constitutional Crisis? AAC Takes a Stand!

Are you concerned about potential changes to local government administration in Lagos? The African Action Congress (AAC) Lagos is raising serious alarms about a proposed law they believe could undermine the rule of law, damage the separation of powers, and harm the freedom of local governments. This document outlines the AAC’s position, as shared at a press conference on November 4th, 2024. What does this mean for you, and what can you do? Read on to find out!

AAC’s Stance on the Proposed Law

The African Action Congress (AAC) Lagos shares the concerns of Lagos residents regarding the proposed Local Government Administration Law currently under review. The AAC believes this law disregards human rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. Furthermore, it views the law as unfair to local government. The AAC is committed to the rule of law and respects the decisions of Nigerian courts, especially the Supreme Court. But what exactly is the rule of law? According to Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute, it’s a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated (https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/ruleoflaw). The World Justice Project defines it as a durable system of laws, institutions, norms, and community commitment (https://www.worldjusticeproject.org/about-us/overview/what-rule-law).

This is particularly important given existing Supreme Court rulings concerning Local Government Council Revenue Allocation and protections for local governments. The AAC supports the Supreme Court’s order for direct payment of Revenue Allocation to Local Government Councils. The AAC recognizes the 774 Local Government Councils acknowledged by the Constitution, including the 20 in Lagos State under the 1999 Constitution. Why is this revenue allocation so critical for local governance?

Concerns About Revenue and Independence

The AAC will strongly oppose any attempt to ignore the Supreme Court regarding the payment of Revenue Allocation to Local Government Councils from the Federal Government. The Lagos State House of Assembly’s power is limited and must adhere to Nigeria’s laws. Neither the Lagos State House of Assembly nor the governor can alter payment amounts to each Local Government; payments must align with the National Assembly’s directives. This raises a crucial question: how can local governments effectively serve their communities without financial independence?

The proposed Area Administrative Council (AAC) raises concerns about local government freedom and requires careful review, especially considering the Supreme Court’s stance on local government independence. The AAC considers the Lagos State House of Assembly’s plan for the Area Administrative Council (AAC) illegal and unfair. The AAC Party and Lagos citizens will resist this through protests. The AAC’s concern extends beyond the number (37) of Area Administration Councils (AAC) to the creation of any additional Local Council Development Area (LCDA), including the renaming of illegally created Local Council Development Areas (LCDA). The AAC urges the Lagos State House of Assembly to cease recognizing these LCDAs, including all 37.

Call to Action and Rights

The AAC asserts that any attempt to disregard the Supreme Court’s position regarding payment of Revenue Allocation to Local Government Councils will face strong resistance. The Lagos State House of Assembly cannot unilaterally set payment amounts; it must adhere to the amounts determined by the National Assembly. This applies universally, including to the Lagos State House of Assembly and the governor. What actions can you take to ensure accountability?

The AAC emphasizes the significance of the Area Administrative Council (AAC). The proposed law disregards the Supreme Court’s view on local government independence. The AAC deems the Lagos State House of Assembly’s plan illegal and unfair. The AAC Party and Lagos citizens will challenge this through protests.

The AAC will challenge all issues with the proposed law change, including ignoring the Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, and Local Government Independence. This challenge will align with the 1999 Constitution and the Supreme Court’s view, which recognizes only 20 Local Government Councils and mandates direct payment of Revenue Allocation to the Local Government Councils from the Federation Account. This is a fight for the very foundation of local governance!

Conclusion: Stand with the AAC to Defend Local Governance!

The African Action Congress (AAC) Lagos vehemently opposes the proposed law change, expressing concerns about its legality and potential harm to local government freedom. The AAC will resist any attempts to disregard the Supreme Court’s rulings concerning revenue and local government structure. The party and Lagos citizens will challenge the law to protect the rule of law and the freedom of local governments.

What can YOU do? Contact your representatives in the Lagos State House of Assembly and voice your concerns! Share this article to raise awareness and join the conversation. Let’s ensure that the voices of Lagos citizens are heard!

Thank you,

Barrister Karounwi Sikiru Akanni
Legal Department, Lagos AAC

Comrade Jedege kehinde
General Secretary, Lagos AAC

Comrade Ayoyinka Oni
Chairman, Lagos AAC