In a part of the world where many are so used to monkey business, reputation, self-honour and integrity is probably the last thing people in exalted offices gun for. The recent Supreme Court judgment in favour of local government autonomy marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s governance, having ruled on the illegality of state governors holding onto local government allocations.
The ruling paves the way for a more equitable distribution of resources and a restoration of governance at the level closest to the masses, reaffirming the spirit of true federalism.
Sometimes when you wonder why governance seem like rocket science in Nigeria, you need look no further than LG administration. Former President Buhari did all he could to have LGs get their funding directly, seeing as citizens wail and bemoan poverty, yet what we had was Governors challenging him. Buhari in his usual I-Can’t-Kill-Myself style, withdrew and kept mum. We have three tiers of government, and the Federal Government is more justified in this regard to have allocations reach LGs directly. This judgment underlines the necessity of strengthening local governments, which have been systematically emasculated and made ineffective by state governors. By misappropriating funds meant for local development, governors have stunted growth and perpetuated poverty.
The fear among governors of conducting local elections is understandable but misplaced. Elections enable people to self-govern and aspire to greatness. Instead, many governors have weaponised poverty, installing stooges as caretaker leaders rather than allowing for elected officials. This practice has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s problems, creating a cycle of dependency and underdevelopment.
Despite Nigeria’s material poverty, there are sufficient resources to support all regions. However, governors resist equitable distribution, often rejecting proposals that do not benefit them personally. When in office, even governors who might share innovative ideas are often self-serving, ignoring numerous proposals for better governance. They simply don’t care!
The next logical step is to abolish the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC) and have the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct local government elections. This would prevent governors from installing their puppets in local councils, ensuring that the purpose of this judgment is not lost to political manipulation and anyhowness. Without this change, local government allocations will continue to be funnelled back to the governors, undermining the intent of the ruling.
We can anticipate improved governance at the local government level, as state governors will no longer possess the authority to dissolve democratically elected local officials. Additionally, the practice of appointing caretaker committees will be abolished nationwide, ensuring that local administrations are led by elected representatives. This change will compel states to adopt a more forward-thinking approach, as they will no longer have access to funds designated for local government administration.
With time, the impression of governors misgoverning their states, while expecting to be returned to office for second tenure or voted into the Senate, may take a new direction. With some level of governance at the LG level, governors may not be able to commandeer and breathe down the neck of the electorates. The case of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop will soon be over.
This law, though not newly established, highlights the persistent issue of state governors appointing local government chairmen, thus maintaining control over local affairs and finances. Even if allocations are paid directly into the accounts of local government chairmen, the influence of governors will persist, rendering the law ineffective in a lawless country.
Direct payment of allocations to local governments is only a small part of the necessary restructuring. What is truly needed is resource control and the right to administer governance at the local level.
The suppression of this crucial tier of government by the iron fists of governors has had severe consequences for workforce management and capital development in rural communities. It is hoped that this landmark judgment kindles the promises of a renewed hope for genuine local governance and community-driven development in Nigeria.