The Adamawa State Government has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a definitive interpretation of Section 162 (1), (2), and (3) of the Nigerian Constitution regarding the distribution of revenue from the Federation Account. The State Government’s petition argues that:
- Undistributed Revenue: The entire sum in the Federation Account must be distributed among all levels of government without any deductions, except as explicitly permitted by law.
- Presidential Compliance: The President must strictly adhere to the constitutional provisions in managing and distributing revenue from the Federation Account.
- Revenue Payment: All revenue collected, except those exempted by the Constitution, must be deposited into the Federation Account for equitable distribution to all tiers of government.
- Federal Government’s Limitations: The Federal Government does not have the discretion to withhold or deduct revenue for any purpose not expressly permitted by the Constitution.
The Adamawa State Government is seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court to ensure:
– The Federal Government must distribute the entire revenue from the Federation Account without unauthorized deductions.
– Any deductions or withholdings made without constitutional backing are deemed unconstitutional.
– The Federal Government’s discretion in managing revenue is limited strictly to what is expressly permitted by the Constitution.
The State Government emphasizes the need for a strict interpretation of the Constitution to ensure that revenue distribution is conducted transparently and constitutionally, without arbitrary deductions or withholdings by the Federal Government.
Humwashi Wonosikou
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
