Written by Alaba OLUSEMORE,
The recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria has sparked widespread optimism about accelerated grassroots development. However, this enthusiasm may be misguided. The assumption that autonomy will naturally translate to effective governance overlooks the complexities inherent in local government administration.
Firstly, local government officials are often entrenched in political patronage. Their immediate priorities are likely to be satisfying political allies, friends, and vocal community members rather than focusing on equitable development. Without a shift in the electoral process, where State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) oversee local elections, governors will continue to install their loyalists in these positions, perpetuating the status quo. This undermines the very essence of autonomy.
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Moreover, the influence of political party leaders cannot be underestimated. These chieftains, wielding significant power, often dictate the actions of local government chairpersons, further stifling independent decision-making. Until independent candidacy becomes a reality, genuine autonomy remains elusive.
Another pressing issue is the overlap in functions between local governments and other levels of government. For instance, responsibilities related to roads, healthcare, and security are often duplicated, leading to inefficiencies. There is an urgent need for constitutional amendments to clearly delineate the roles of local, state, and federal governments.
Furthermore, the recent withdrawal of some state chapters of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from the national body highlights the reluctance of local government workers to embrace autonomy. This signals a lack of confidence in the local government system, likely due to concerns over inefficiency and corruption.
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To truly empower local governments, reforms are essential. The National Electoral Commission should take over the conduct of local government elections. Constitutional amendments must be made to prevent governors from manipulating local government structures. Only then can we truly celebrate the freedom and potential of grassroots governance
Alaba OLUSEMORE, FCIB is a published author, and development economist, trained in financial journalism at the NIJ.
