The Adamawa State Government has filed a lawsuit against the federal government at the Supreme Court concerning the distribution of revenue from the federation account.
Humwashi Wonosikou, the chief press secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, announced on Thursday that the state seeks an interpretation of Section 162 (1), (2), and (3) of the Constitution regarding the allocation of funds from the federation account.
Adamawa State contends that all revenue in the federation account must be distributed among all levels of government without any deductions, except those permitted by law.
"The president must adhere strictly to the Constitution in managing and distributing revenue," the statement reads. "All collected revenue, except those exempted by the Constitution, must be deposited into the federation account for equitable distribution to all tiers of government. The federal government lacks the discretion to withhold or deduct revenue for any purpose not expressly permitted by the Constitution."
The state further asserts that any deductions or withholdings made without constitutional backing are unconstitutional. "The federal government’s discretion to manage revenue is limited to only what is expressly permitted by the Constitution."
Adamawa is also seeking a strict interpretation of the Constitution to ensure that revenue distribution is "conducted in a transparent and constitutional manner, without arbitrary deductions or withholdings by the federal government."
On July 11, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government must pay allocations directly to local government councils from the federation account. A seven-member panel of justices found that state governments have been abusing their powers by retaining and using funds meant for LGAs.
The apex court also ordered the federal government to withhold allocations from LGs governed by unelected officials appointed by governors.