By Jummai Ishaku/Newspointer News
Jalingo Taraba – 04, 2025
A High Court sitting in Jalingo, Taraba State, has struck out a suit challenging the reduction of tenure for local government chairmen in the state, ruling in favour of the state government.
The suit was filed by a group of former local government officials who opposed the amendment to the state’s Local Government Law, which shortened the tenure of elected chairmen from three years to two. The amendment was passed by the Taraba State House of Assembly in November 2023.
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In its ruling, the court held that the state legislature acted within its constitutional powers in making laws regarding the administration of local governments. It said the amendment did not breach any provision of the 1999 Constitution.
The Taraba State Government welcomed the decision, describing it as a validation of its legislative authority. However, the plaintiffs, through their legal representatives, have expressed dissatisfaction and are reportedly considering an appeal.
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The court’s verdict comes amid ongoing national discussions on local government autonomy. In May 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that council chairmen across the country are entitled to a four-year tenure, a decision that could potentially clash with state-level amendments such as Taraba’s.
Legal experts say the latest judgment may set the stage for further legal battles on whether state governments can alter local government tenure independently of federal provisions.
Efforts to get official comments from the Taraba State Attorney General were unsuccessful as of press time.
