President Bola Tinubu’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, granting financial autonomy to local governments, has been met with mixed reactions from governors. While they publicly welcome the verdict, their actions suggest otherwise. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) chairman, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, praised the decision, but Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described it as a distraction.
However, the opposition of state governors to local council financial autonomy has always been evident. In 2023, state Houses of Assemblies rejected constitutional amendment bills, including one for financial and administrative autonomy for local government councils.
President Tinubu’s crusade for financial autonomy for local governments is a significant step towards democratic principles and grassroots development. The Supreme Court’s verdict ordered direct payment of council allocations, prohibiting state governors from unilateral dissolution of democratically-elected local government chairmen.
It is now imperative for governors to support Tinubu in ensuring local councils become independent and self-governing. The governors’ buy-in is crucial, as they will still play an influential role in the election of local government chairmen.
This landmark judgment is a critical step forward in reinforcing democratic principles, devolving power to local governments, and ensuring genuine representation at the grassroots. The governors must understand that empowering local governments financially is essential for genuine grassroots development and strengthening democracy.
President Tinubu’s commitment to restructuring is evident in his signing of the Electricity Act 2023, which enhances regulation and management of the electricity value chain with active participation from sub-national governments.
The National Assembly must take concrete legislative actions to support the vision, including reworking laws governing local government elections to transfer responsibility to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
This change will eliminate undue influence from state governors and ensure the integrity of polls, complementing Tinubu and the Supreme Court’s efforts towards achieving genuine local government autonomy and enhancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
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