By Marietta Munachimso
A renowned University Don, Astute Politician and Public Affairs Analyst of international repute, Dr Christian C. Madubuko has hailed the Justices of Nigerian Apex Court over what he described as a landmark judgment on the longstanding battle for the control and management of statutory allocations at the local government level.
Dr Madubuko in a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which was dated July 17, 2024, commended Mr President for his tireless efforts in pushing for this crucial reform, while noting the need to empower the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, in view of conducting credible LGA elections going forward.
Find below, details of Hon Dr Madubuko’s letter to Mr President which was made available to citypost.com.ng on Wednesday July 17, 2024.
17 July 2024
His Excellency
Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Aso – Rock Villa,
Federal Capital Territory, FCT
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Mr. President,
Unlocking the Full Potential of Local Government Councils: The Imperative of Financial Autonomy and Independent Elections in Nigeria.
As we mark a significant milestone in the journey towards true financial autonomy for Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, it is essential to acknowledge the tireless efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in pushing for this crucial reform. The recent Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to the 774 local council areas in Nigeria is a testament to the administration’s commitment to empowering grassroots governance.
I must also extend my gratitude to the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court for their unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and federalism. Their decision has sent a powerful message that the judiciary will always stand firm against any attempt to undermine the constitutional rights of LGAs.
However, as we celebrate this hard-won victory, it is essential to recognize that financial autonomy is only one half of the equation. The other crucial aspect is the conduct of free and fair elections into LGAs. For true financial autonomy to be realized, it is imperative that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) takes over the conduct of elections into local councils across Nigeria.
The current system, where State Governors conduct LGA elections through State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC), is riddled with flaws. It creates an environment where State Governors use their influence to manipulate the electoral process, often imposing their loyalists at the expense of genuine representation. This has led to a lack of accountability and transparency at the local level, with many LGAs failing to deliver effective services to their constituents.
In contrast, INEC’s involvement in LGA elections would bring much-needed credibility and impartiality to the process. With INEC’s robust electoral processes, every vote would count, and citizens would have a genuine say in who represents them at the local level. This would lead to a more representative government, with elected officials who are accountable to their constituents.
Moreover, INEC’s involvement would also promote transparency and accountability at the local level. The commission’s election monitoring and supervision would ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with established guidelines and regulations, reducing the likelihood of rigging and manipulation. This would foster trust between citizens and their elected representatives, leading to improved service delivery and overall governance.
President Tinubu, it is essential that you recognize the critical role INEC plays in ensuring true financial autonomy for LGAs. The implementation of independent elections into local councils is a necessary step towards empowering grassroots governance and promoting democratic values.
I urge you to take bold steps to ensure that INEC takes over the conduct of LGA elections. This can be achieved by amending relevant laws and regulations to give INEC exclusive responsibility for conducting elections into LGAs. Furthermore, it is crucial that you provide adequate resources and support to enable INEC to effectively discharge its new responsibilities.
The Importance of Independent Elections:
As said above, independent elections into local councils are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they promote transparency and accountability. When elections are conducted independently, there is less room for manipulation and rigging, ensuring that elected officials are truly representative of the people. Secondly, independent elections promote inclusivity and participation. When citizens have a genuine say in who represents them, they are more likely to engage in the political process and hold their elected officials accountable.
Thirdly, independent elections ensure that elected officials are accountable to their constituents. When elected officials are not beholden to State Governors or other external forces, they are more likely to prioritize the needs of their constituents. This leads to better service delivery and overall governance.
In addition, independent elections into local councils will empower them to take ownership of their own development and governance. With the ability to conduct their own elections, LGAs will be able to select leaders who truly represent their interests and priorities.
The Consequences of Not Implementing Independent Elections:
If State Governors continue to conduct LGA elections through SIEC, it will have far-reaching consequences. Firstly, it will perpetuate a culture of corruption and manipulation. State Governors will continue to use their influence to impose their loyalists at the expense of genuine representation.
Secondly, it will undermine the principles of federalism and democracy. The Local Government Areas will be reduced to mere appendages of State Governments, rather than autonomous entities with their own powers and responsibilities.
Thirdly, it will lead to a lack of accountability and transparency at the local level. Elected officials will be beholden to State Governors rather than their constituents, leading to a lack of effective governance and service delivery.
Challenges and Obstacles:
Despite the importance of independent elections into local councils, there are several challenges and obstacles that must be addressed. Firstly, there may be resistance from State Governors who are used to controlling the electoral process at the local level.
Secondly, there may be concerns about the capacity of INEC to conduct elections independently, particularly in areas with limited resources or infrastructure.
Thirdly, there may be concerns about the ability of citizens to participate in the electoral process, particularly in areas with low levels of literacy or access to information.
To address these challenges, it is essential that INEC works closely with State Governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to independent elections.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Mr. President, I urge you to prioritize the implementation of independent elections into local councils across Nigeria. This is a crucial step towards realizing true financial autonomy for LGAs and promoting democratic values at all levels of government.
By implementing independent elections, we can unlock the full potential of LGAs and empower them to deliver effective services to their constituents. We can also promote democratic values and ensure that our country moves closer towards a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.
I implore you to take bold steps to ensure that INEC takes over the conduct of elections into local councils across Nigeria. This is a critical step towards building a more democratic and accountable Nigeria.
Recommendations for Implementation:
To implement independent elections into local councils across Nigeria and achieve true financial autonomy for LGAs, I propose the following steps:
Amend relevant laws: Amend relevant laws and regulations to give INEC exclusive responsibility for conducting elections into LGAs.
Provide resources: Provide adequate resources and support to enable INEC to effectively discharge its new responsibilities.
Establish a robust election framework: Establish a robust election framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
Monitor and supervise elections: Ensure that INEC monitors and supervises elections into LGAs to prevent rigging and manipulation.
Promote civic education: Promote civic education among citizens to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.
Collaborate with stakeholders: Collaborate with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and international partners, to ensure a smooth transition to independent elections into LGAs.
By implementing these measures, we can unlock the full potential of LGAs and empower them to deliver effective services to their constituents. We can also promote democratic values and ensure that our country moves closer towards a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.
In summary, Mr. President, I urge you to prioritize the implementation of independent elections into local councils across Nigeria. This is a crucial step towards realizing true financial autonomy for LGAs and promoting democratic values at all levels of government.
If this is done, Mr. President would have written his name in the sands of time and would become one of the greatest heroes amongst Nigerian leaders.
Together, we can build a more inclusive and accountable system of governance in Nigeria.
Thank you for your attention, Mr. President.
Sincerely,
Signed:
Christian C. Madubuko, PhD.
Dr. Madubuko is a Political & Diplomatic Historian, 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
