Local Government Autonomy: Governors In Fresh Plan To Delay Implementation.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
( Northern Bureau Chief)
October 3, 2024
The issue of Local Government Areas (LGAs) autonomy continues to generate tension between the federal and state governments, particularly in the context of financial control and governance. State governors, through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, have consistently resisted efforts to implement policies that would grant more autonomy to LGAs, especially regarding direct federal allocations and the abolition of caretaker committees.
The inter-ministerial committee, headed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, is now set to submit its report on the enforcement of the Supreme Court ruling on this matter. This ruling reinforces the constitutional requirement for democratically elected LGA councils, and challenges the governors’ long-standing control over local government funds and the dissolution of elected councils.
The federal government’s recent lawsuit, filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, aims to safeguard the democratic integrity of LGAs and curb state interference. If implemented, this would ensure that LGAs receive their federal allocations directly, reducing the power of state governments to dissolve councils and appoint unelected caretaker committees.
As the submission of the committee’s report approaches, state governors have reportedly begun lobbying efforts to counter the enforcement of this ruling, likely to retain their influence over local government operations and finances. This development signals a potential standoff between the federal government, advocating for LGA autonomy, and state governors who prefer maintaining their control. The outcome will have significant implications for governance and federalism in Nigeria.
