Aondoakaa Slams FG Over Failure to Enforce Supreme Court Ruling on Local Council Caretaker Committees

In a review of the ongoing happenings in Rivers State, former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa has criticised the federal government for not enforcing Supreme Court decisions against illegal caretaker committees.

In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Aondoakaa questioned why the Federal Government continued to release funds in relation to caretaker committees to states despite the Supreme Court’s ruling against their legality.

“The best way Rivers could have been resolved is through a political and amicable solution. Where conflicting judgements come from the same state courts of coordinate jurisdiction, it becomes very difficult because the party who is affected can choose which one to accept and which one to reject. That is what is happening. The federal high court and the state high court have concurrent jurisdiction in terms of their judgment. No one is superior. The matter is in court and that is why I did not comment on it. Caretaker committee abinitio has been ruled by the supreme court to be illegal and it is just unfortunate that we are not prepared to enforce the law.

“I had expected that the supreme court having clearly stated that the caretaker committee is illegal, the appropriate thing would have been the federal government not to assist to commit an illegality. If the supreme court had given judgement that caretaker committees are illegal and that they are in violation of the constitution, why then did the federal state release funds relating to caretaker committees to the states? Because the federal government in view of this judgement that has been subsisting, in respect to the supreme court can hold back those funds until they do a proper election. 

“Can’t we for once look at the judgement of the supreme court and say you have not done election and I cannot lease money to an illegal board?”

While giving a comprehensive review of the state of the nation, the former minister of Justice cited the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both immediate security challenges and long-term agricultural sustainability, noting that the two are the nation’s most basic challenges.

His comments come amid escalating concerns over insecurity across Nigeria, with widespread implications for food security and economic stability.

“The main issue facing the nation may be classified majorly into two. The issue of hunger and insecurity which are tied together. If you go to rural areas, the insecurity has become so intense that the farmers can’t go to farms and they are coming to compete with the medium class people in something as ridiculous as buying indomie to feed their children. That is the challenge and if the insecurity is tackled, 50% of the hunger in the country will be reduced because our farmers will go back to the farm, they will produce for subsisting. They used to produce for subsisting and also sell the surplus but right now even for subsisting is becoming impossible because you can’t success you farm.

“I feel that if the government can minimise the rising trend of insecurities to the barest minimum, our country will bounce back. I believe that this government is going to restore peace if our armed forces are given the resources, also the political class responsible for their operations must monitor to see the effectiveness of what Nigerians’ taxpayers’ money has been used for in curtailing insecurity.”

Aondoakaa however, acknowledged the resilience of the Nigerians in upholding democratic principles amid the extreme conditions in the country over the last 25 years.

He also lauded President Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in advocating for the autonomy and functionality of local governments, the third tier of government in Nigeria’s federal structure.

“I will give a pass mark to the electorates who have kept faith to ensure that democracy thrives up to 25 years in spite of the extreme conditions we find ourselves in. I will also give a pass mark to president Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area he is trying to make sure that the local government, that is the third tier of government, remains independent and functional.”

Chioma Kalu

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