The 36 states of the federation have asked the supreme court to compel the federal government to refund about N66 billion spent on funding courts in the states.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari in May, signed the order granting financial autonomy to the legislature and the judiciary in the 36 states of the federation.

The order empowers the accountant-general of the federation to deduct funds for the state legislature and the judiciary from the federal allocations to the states.

In the suit filed by their respective attorneys-general, the states are contending the constitutionality of the executive order.

Augustine Alegeh, who represented the states, said this while making submissions in the suit seeking to quash the presidential executive order 10 of 2020, which mandates state governments to fund the judiciary.

Counsel to state attorney generals, Tijani Gazali opposed the suit.