SECTION 18

(1) Local authorities shall exclusively exercise the powers devolved by the State. (2) However, notwithstanding sub-section (1) above, the State may exercise the powers so devolved: (a) where the Government intends to intervene on an ad hoc basis to ensure the balanced development of the territory or to address an emergency situation; (b) in the event of a failure duly established by order of the minister in charge of local authorities, as reported by: - the minister concerned by the power devolved; - the deliberative organ of the local authority by a two-thirds majority of its members. (3) The conditions for the implementation of this section shall be laid down by decree of the Prime Minister.