A step towards true Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria
By Christian C. Madubuko, PhD.
The recent Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to the 774 local council areas in Nigeria is a significant milestone in the journey towards true decentralization and democratization of our country. This landmark decision has finally freed the local government areas (LGAs) from the grip of State Governors, who have hitherto held them captive through their powers of appointment and control over the council chairmen and councillors.
I personally commend the President for his administration’s determination to empower the LGAs, and I urge him to take further steps to ensure that these councils are truly independent and autonomous. The Supreme Court judges who delivered this verdict have demonstrated remarkable egalitarianism and a commitment to upholding the principles of federalism and democracy. I implore them to continue exhibiting this robust commitment to the survival of our democracy.
In this article, I will explore the significance of this judgement and how it can be built upon to ensure that the LGAs are truly independent and autonomous. I will also examine the importance of direct conduct of elections to the council areas by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and highlight the dangers of allowing State Governors to conduct elections through State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC).
The Need for True Autonomy
The LGAs are the closest tier of government to the people, and they play a critical role in providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. However, their ability to perform these functions has been severely hampered by their lack of autonomy. The State Governors have held sway over the LGAs, using their powers of appointment and control to impose their will on them. This has led to a lack of accountability, inefficiency, and corruption in the administration of these councils.
The recent Supreme Court judgement has finally given the LGAs a chance to break free from this stranglehold and become truly autonomous. This is a significant step towards decentralization and democratization, as it allows for more inclusive participation and representation at the local level.
The Role of INEC:
INEC plays a critical role in ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent. For the LGAs to be truly independent, it is essential that INEC conducts elections to these councils directly. This will ensure that the process is free from manipulation and interference by State Governors or other external forces.
INEC’s direct conduct of elections will also promote accountability and transparency, as voters will have a genuine say in who represents them at the local level. This will lead to more effective governance and better service delivery, as elected officials will be accountable to their constituents rather than external authorities.
The Significance of Direct Elections
Direct elections by INEC will have a profound impact on the LGAs. Firstly, it will promote accountability and transparency, as voters will have a direct say in who represents them at the local level. This will ensure that elected officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions, which will lead to more effective governance and better service delivery.
Secondly, direct elections will increase citizen participation and engagement in the political process. This is because citizens will be able to choose their leaders directly, rather than having them imposed on them by State Governors or other external forces. This will lead to a more inclusive and representative democracy, where citizens have a greater stake in the political process.
Thirdly, direct elections will reduce corruption and patronage politics. By allowing voters to choose their leaders directly, rather than having them appointed by State Governors or other external forces, corruption and patronage politics will be reduced. This is because elected officials will be more accountable to their constituents, rather than to external patrons or benefactors.
The Consequences of SIEC
On the other hand, allowing State Governors to conduct elections through SIEC will have severe consequences for the LGAs. Firstly, it will perpetuate corruption and patronage politics. By appointing stooges to the councils, State Governors and other “political elephants” will continue to exert control over these councils, using their powers of appointment and control to manipulate election results and impose their own candidates. In that manner, the resources of these LGAs are shared amongst political cabals who are political “hyenas and buccaneers” and the Governors’ grassroots compradors.
Secondly, SIEC will undermine accountability and transparency. By conducting elections through SIEC, State Governors will be able to manipulate the process, using their powers of appointment and control to rig elections or impose their own candidates. This will lead to a lack of accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
Thirdly, opposition parties have no place in the electoral process as the governors fight any recalcitrant persons to a holt including eliminating the person. The governors would simply select their stooges and direct the Chairman of SIEC to announce the result. If you do not agree with the result, go to court and meet the anointed candidates of the State Governments at the Tribunals. Nigerians have seen this happened often in our political history. My personal experience on this would form a story for another day. Why do this happen? It is simply a fight to have hold and unchallenged access to the LGAs monthly financial resource allocations. This has been the simple reasons why several local communities in Nigeria have no access to electricity, pipe borne water, healthcare facilities, good schools, access roads and several other social amenities.
Fourthly, SIEC will reduce citizen participation and engagement in the political process. By having elections conducted by State Governors or their agents, citizens will feel disconnected from the political process, leading to a lack of trust and disillusionment with politics.
Finally, SIEC undermines attempts at decentralization and democratization at the grassroots, as it will continue to concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals who are really the enemies of democracy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I urge INEC to conduct direct elections into LGAs, free from manipulation and interference by State Governors or other external forces. I also urge citizens and opposition parties to participate fully in this process, exercising their right to vote and hold elected officials accountable.
By promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in the electoral process, we can build a more inclusive and representative democracy at the local level. We can also reduce corruption and patronage politics, promoting a more just and equitable society.
I commend the President for his administration’s determination to grant financial autonomy to LGAs and urge him to take further steps to ensure that these councils are truly independent and autonomous. I also commend the Supreme Court judges who delivered this verdict for their commitment to upholding democratic principles.
I urge the enemies of democracy to be aware that they have stolen enough from the LGAs coffers. They should also be aware that the wrath of the law awaits them soon as they would be probably made to face the consequences of their actions in the past. Everyday is for the thief, but one day is for the owner of what is been stolen. It is now the turn of the grassroots to enjoy what had eluded them for several years. I urge the enemies of democracy to join Nigerians in celebrating this political emancipation of our LGAs by the Supreme Court. Let’s work together to make our grassroots better places for good governance.
By working together to promote true autonomy for LGAs, we can build a brighter future for our country.
Dr. Madubuko is a Political & Diplomatic Historian, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of History & International Studies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, & a researcher at LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Madubuko was a former Anambra Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Commissioner for Transport, as well as the Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism. He was also the Executive Director of Operations, Anambra Internal Revenue Service. He writes from Canberra – The Australian Capital Territory, ACT. Mobile/WhatsApp: +2348162527884
E-mail: ogbekingdom@gmail.com
