The Kano State High Court has reserved judgment in a legal battle initiated by the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other entities over the withholding of allocations intended for Kano’s 44 local government areas.
The applicants, led by NULGE Chairman Ibrahim Muhd, argued that the withholding of funds disrupts essential governance functions at the grassroots level.
Represented by their counsel, Bashir Yusuf Muhammad, NULGE submitted affidavits and written addresses detailing the adverse impact of delayed or withheld allocations on local government operations.
The CBN and some respondents opposed their inclusion in the lawsuit, raising objections on jurisdictional grounds.
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However, other parties, including representatives from the 44 local governments, aligned with NULGE’s position, emphasizing the need for seamless and timely disbursement of funds to support local governance.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad adjourned proceedings to rule on both the preliminary objections raised by the CBN and other respondents, as well as the substantive case presented by NULGE.
The court has yet to announce a date for the final ruling, promising to communicate with all parties in due course.
Speaking after the hearing, NULGE Chairman Ibrahim Muhd reiterated the union’s commitment to protecting local governments’ financial autonomy.
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“The delay in fund disbursement severely hampers developmental projects and basic services for the people,” he stated.
Legal experts and grassroots governance advocates are closely watching the case, which could set a significant precedent for local government funding and autonomy across the nation.
The judgment, when delivered, is expected to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key financial and governmental institutions in ensuring uninterrupted allocation and disbursement to local councils.