Dr. Mustapha Mohammed Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, has leveled serious accusations against Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, alleging that the governor is unlawfully withholding funds designated for the state’s 34 local government councils. These allegations were made on Friday evening during a discussion with journalists at Inuwa's residence in Katsina, where he asserted that the state government continues to control local government allocations from the federation account, directly contravening a Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to these councils.

The Supreme Court, the apex judicial body in Nigeria, had previously issued a ruling specifically barring state governments from collecting and withholding allocations intended for local governments. The judgment further mandated the Accountant-General of the Federation to disburse these funds directly to the respective councils, ensuring their financial independence. Inuwa, who also serves as the Katsina State leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), vehemently condemned the governor's alleged actions, labeling them as “unconstitutional, illegal and an impeachable offence.” He underscored the constitutional position of local governments as the third tier of government, arguing that they are inherently empowered to manage their own finances and independently execute projects aimed at fostering grassroots development.

Highlighting the impact of the alleged control, Inuwa stated, “There is no financial autonomy for local governments in Katsina. The governor has withheld local government funds and releases money to them at will, which is why they are executing similar projects.” This statement suggests a lack of independent decision-making at the local government level, potentially leading to uniform, centrally-dictated development initiatives rather than those tailored to specific community needs.

In response to these grave allegations, Maiwada Danmallam, the Director-General of Media to Governor Radda, promptly dismissed the claims. Danmallam firmly insisted that the state government is not withholding any council funds. He countered Inuwa's argument by citing Section 7(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which, according to him, constitutionally empowers both state and local governments to collaboratively plan and execute development projects. Danmallam further remarked that accusing the state government of withholding local government funds demonstrates an