By Abdulraheem Isiaka
The Forum of Dissolved Councils in Kwara State (2019) has praised the Supreme Court for its landmark judgment on July 11th, 2024, which has finally resolved the long-standing dispute over the state government’s authority to dissolve democratically elected council chairmen and councilors.
According to Hon. Salihu Yusuf (Adabata), Chairman of the forum, the judgment brings closure to the plight of its members, who were unfairly removed from office by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq’s administration and replaced with unelected administrators for five years. The forum members are victims of the governor’s executive excesses and impunity.
Hon. Yusuf said the council members were dissolved based on a baseless petition filed by Saidu Aliyu from Ilorin West Local Government Area, alleging a ₦100 million misappropriation of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He argued that the petition was cleverly used to unjustly dissolve democratically elected councils and assume control over their daily operations.
“To our dismay, the state House of Assembly deliberated on the petition on June 18th, 2019, and passed resolutions the same day, which were swiftly approved by Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq. This hasty process blatantly violated Section 29 of the Kwara State Local Government Cap 33, showcasing executive and legislative impunity.”
Hon. Salihu emphasized that the constitution only recognizes democratically elected officials with fixed tenures, who cannot be removed arbitrarily, just like members of the state House of Assembly or National Assembly.
“The Supreme Court’s judgment has left the affected governors, including the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, with a deep sense of shame and disgrace. Governor Abdulrasak must offer a sincere and unconditional apology to the victims of his misguided actions and the people of Kwara State, who have suffered greatly due to his administration’s mismanagement.”
“For five years, the local councils have been rendered ineffective, resembling empty kiosks, causing hardship for the citizens. We applaud the Supreme Court, the Presidency, and all relevant stakeholders, including Barrister Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, for their courageous efforts to correct this injustice and strengthen local government administration, making it more accountable and accessible to the people.”