by Miftau Adekunmi Adebowale
The issue of financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria has been a subject of debate for several years. The Nigerian Constitution grants local governments some level of autonomy, but in reality, they are subject to the control and influence of state governors who often divert funds meant for local development projects to their own personal use.
Now, it’s a new dawn in Nigeria with the new judicial pronouncement of financial autonomy for LG after the suit filed by the Tinubu-led led administration against the high-handedness of the the state governments in arm-twisting the LG administrations in Nigeria. The federal government is indeed commended for the bold step, as one of the fangs hurting the LG administrations has been removed. With this shackle broken, I believe there is indeed, a hope in bringing back the old glories of LG administrations in Nigeria.
As we celebrate this triumph, we shouldn’t forget we are still at another cross-road as to how to handle another monstrous practice of the governors of subverting the will of people at the grassroots, eroding the occupants of offices at the LG levels their legitimacy, and thereby, constituting another stumbling block for political independence. This encumbrance of political autonomy has impeded the development of local governments in Nigeria and even, it has really been the major challenge hindering their quest for financial independence. Many local governments are unable to provide basic amenities like healthcare, safe drinking water, and good roads, which are necessary for the economic and social development of the communities within their jurisdiction, because they are always at the mercy of the governor who is always hellbent on claiming all glories of executed projects. This is because, politics and economy (finances) are mutually inclusive, and both exerts influence on one another in a cyclic manner.
The challenge has been that Governors always want to make LG administrations an extension of the state by firstly controlling it politically, them financially. The political control is easily achieved through the Governor’s mercenary of State ‘Dependent’ Electoral Commission which is generally far from conduct free and fair election. This alone erodes the LG administration of its political autonomy. A very horrible and reprehensible case is that of the current Osun State Government where a widely renowned card carrying member of the ruling party (PDP) is appointed to oversee the State “Dependent” Electoral Commission. This brazen and barefaced disregard for the people and the laws, readily suggest the breed of people at the helms of affairs.
To address this issue, there is a need to fight for political autonomy for local governments from the impunity of governors, with the aim of ensuring that funds are used for the benefit of the local communities. The Nigerian Constitution should be amended to grant local governments greater political autonomy and to ensure their elections are organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Furthermore, public participation and transparency must be promoted in the allocation and utilization of funds, with local government officials being held accountable for any mismanagement of funds. This will ensure that the financial autonomy of local governments is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical reality that will improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians living in local communities.
In conclusion, financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria is crucial to the development of local communities and the country as a whole. Addressing the encumbrance of political autonomy and fighting for legitimacy in local governance could help in the quest for the effectiveness of financial autonomy and ensure that local communities receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Miftau A. Adebowale, a public affairs analyst writes from Osogbo, Osun State.
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