…hails FG’s action on Osun LG funds
A civil society group, the Coalition for Democratic Governance in Africa (CDGA), has called on the federal government to suspend statutory monthly allocations to Zamfara and Benue States until their Houses of Assembly are fully constituted and operational.
In a statement signed by its convener, Dr. Paul Barka, the group argued that it is unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic governance for state executives to operate without functional legislative oversight.
CDGA noted that such governance structures undermine the principles of checks and balances and set a dangerous precedent that could erode Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Citing the federal government’s recent decision to withhold local government funds in Osun State over alleged breaches of democratic procedures, the group urged that similar measures be extended to Zamfara and Benue to uphold consistency and accountability in governance.
The CDGA maintained that proactive steps must be taken to prevent further abuse of executive power and to ensure that all states adhere to constitutional norms.
“We commend the decision of the Federal Government to withhold allocations to local governments in Osun State pending the restoration of democratic order at that level. This is a positive step and a clear message that breaches of the Constitution will not be tolerated,” the statement read.
“However, the same energy must be directed to Benue and Zamfara states, where governors are operating in the absence of fully functional Houses of Assembly. If the Federal Government is serious about protecting democracy, it must apply the same sanctions across the board.”
According to the group, both Zamfara and Benue are currently in clear violation of constitutional provisions, as governors in these states are taking major decisions — including the signing of budgets and appointments — without the backing of properly constituted legislatures.
In Zamfara, 10 members ao the state house of assembly were suspended for speaking against the rising insecurity and absence of governance in the state.
In Benue, the executive arm has been accused of deliberately sidelining the legislature, reducing it to a ceremonial institution.
“This is not just about technicalities. What we are seeing is a dangerous precedent where governors sidestep democratic structures, rule by fiat, and still collect public funds meant to be spent under the scrutiny of elected legislators. That is unacceptable,” Barka declared.
The group said continued federal allocations under such circumstances not only violate the Constitution but also reward governors for undemocratic behaviour.
“It is important for the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant General to ensure that funds are not released to state governments that are in clear violation of constitutional norms,” the statement added.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not provide for sole administrators or military-style governance at the state level. When governors act without legislative checks, they become dictators cloaked in democracy. That is not what Nigerians voted for.”
CDGA said the withholding of funds should serve as a temporary measure to compel compliance with constitutional provisions, not as a permanent punishment.
The group urged political leaders in both states to quickly resolve the internal crises within their assemblies and return their legislatures to full functionality.
“The idea is not to punish citizens but to protect them from governance without accountability. When governors act without legislative scrutiny, budgets can be inflated, contracts can be awarded without due process, and public funds can be mismanaged without consequence,” Dr. Barka warned.
The pro-democracy group also called on the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and international democracy observers to take an interest in the state of democracy in Benue and Zamfara.
“Nigeria cannot continue to preach democracy and practice autocracy in the states. These issues go beyond politics — they strike at the very heart of governance, accountability, and the rule of law,” he added.
“We call on the National Assembly, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to intervene before Zamfara and Benue slide into full-blown dictatorship right before our eyes.”
The group concluded by urging the media and other civil society organisations to join in advocating for democratic restoration in Benue and Zamfara.
It maintained that the nation’s democracy is only as strong as its weakest link, and that allowing state governments to operate without checks and balances endangers the entire federal system.
“Nigeria’s democracy must not be reduced to an election-day ritual. It must be seen in the day-to-day workings of government at all levels. And if any level is faltering, it is the duty of federal institutions, civil society, and the public to act.”
