A former Governor of Delta State, JAMES IBORI, has said that the Supreme Court judgment that granted full autonomy to local governments dealt a severe setback on the principles of federalism.

IBORI, in a post on X shortly after the judgment, expressed his disagreement with the verdict, referencing constitutional provisions to validate his claim that the decision undermines the foundations of federalism.

The former Delta state governor said the Federal Government has no right to interfere with the administration of local governments under any guise whatsoever.

He noted that the ruling has far-reaching consequences for the federal-state power dynamic, as it enables federal interference in local government finances and thereby centralises power, contrary to the principles of federalism.

IBORI further argued that if the Federal Government is allowed to directly control local government funds, it may exploit this power to exert political pressure and manipulate local governments.