States are opposing local government autonomy because they fear the Federal Government may incite the councils against them, said Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of House of Assembly, yesterday.

He argued that financial and administrative autonomy for councils would lead to massive corruption at the grassroots level. Ogundoyin, who is also the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, noted that anti-graft bodies lack the manpower and resources to investigate corruption at the local level.

He spoke at a national conference on security challenges and good governance at the local government levels, organized by the House of Representatives in Abuja. This was the first major governmental reaction to the litigation on council autonomy involving the Federal Government and the states.

At the conference, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed concern about the state of local government, saying that conflicts at that level would have been reduced with good governance. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who sued the states on behalf of the Federal Government, called for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) due to their role in the imposition of chairmen and councillors by governors.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas attributed the lack of grassroots development to weak governance at the local level. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu echoed this, noting that non-state actors exploit governance failures to wreak havoc.

Why States Are Against Autonomy, by Ogundoyin

Ogundoyin fears that the Federal Government may incite councils against state authorities. He stated that autonomy would pave the way for misappropriation of council funds by officials. He said:

“The LGA will be answerable to the Federal Government and other federal agencies, such as the EFCC and the House of Representatives, which will have oversight functions over the LGA. The issue of accountability and transparency, already a challenge at national and sub-national levels, will worsen. We see these problems during oversight visits; imagine the extent once more resources are given directly to them. Additionally, the Federal Government could usurp the roles of state governments, as the saying goes: ‘he who pays the piper dictates the tune.’ Therefore, states believe the center can use the local government as an instrument against them.”

Ogundoyin also noted the problem of low revenue generation capacity for local governments, stating that most are in rural environments, making it difficult for them to generate revenue. He emphasized the need for good governance, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness at the sub-national level.

Tinubu on How Councils Can Foster Development

President Tinubu lamented that poor governance at the local government level contributes to developmental setbacks and national security threats. Represented by the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Tinubu said good governance could address terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence. He stressed that local governments, being closest to the people, are strategically positioned to promote human security by delivering essential services directly to communities.

Abbas: Councils Have Failed to Live Up to Their Billing

Speaker Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Kalu, linked widespread insecurity to weak governance at the local level. He called for addressing these challenges to strengthen national security and improve grassroots governance.

Fagbemi Calls for Scrapping of SIECs

Attorney-General Fagbemi advocated for scrapping the SIECs to deepen democracy at the grassroots. He criticized council elections as processes of imposition and adoption, where the ruling parties always win. Fagbemi highlighted the need for clear constitutional provisions on local government autonomy, noting that state governments often encroach on local revenues.

Kalu: Failed Councils, a Recipe for Violence

Deputy Speaker Kalu, represented by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbare, said governance failures at the local level fuel social unrest and violence. He called for urgent reform and revitalization at the grassroots level, noting that previous efforts through constitutional amendments have not succeeded.

Kalu emphasized that a strong local government delivering essential services is crucial for national stability. He urged for a collective effort to address challenges hindering local government performance and to learn from other nations that have successfully empowered their grassroots.

Fagbemi: Local Government Autonomy Crucial for Development

Attorney-General Fagbemi stressed the importance of granting full autonomy to local governments to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. He pointed out that the current constitutional provisions allow state governments to undermine local government authority, leading to a lack of proper service delivery. Fagbemi said:

“Despite constitutional provisions meant to safeguard local governments’ autonomy, state governments often dissolve councils arbitrarily, appoint caretaker committees, and hijack local revenues. This undermines the financial autonomy of local governments and their ability to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.”

Fagbemi argued that under a true federal structure, the autonomy of local governments should be adequately guaranteed. He emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to increase fiscal and administrative autonomy for local governments, enhance their internal control systems, and ensure citizen participation in governance.

Kalu: Addressing Gaps in Local Governance

Deputy Speaker Kalu highlighted the urgent need for reforms at the grassroots level to address the gaps in service delivery. He noted that the escalating security challenges in the country demand innovative solutions and candid discussions. Kalu said:

“The near absence or complete breakdown of governance at the local level has created ungoverned spaces exploited by non-state actors, making life increasingly unbearable for our rural populace. This is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and revitalization at the grassroots level.”

Kalu urged for collective efforts to identify and address the challenges crippling local governments, from inadequate funding to a lack of autonomy. He emphasized the importance of learning from other nations that have successfully empowered their grassroots.

Tinubu: Strengthening Local Governments for National Stability

President Tinubu stressed that strengthening local governments is crucial for national stability. He urged Nigerians to explore the nexus of good governance, human security, and national security, noting that local governments play a vital role in ensuring communities are safe, prosperous, and resilient. Tinubu said:

“Local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity as they are closest to the people and possess intimate knowledge of their communities’ needs and challenges. Good governance at the local level is essential to address terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence.”

Tinubu called for strengthening local governments to address security challenges effectively, emphasizing that their capacity to deliver essential services directly to communities is crucial for national stability.

Conclusion

The ongoing battle over local government autonomy highlights the complex interplay between the Federal Government, state authorities, and local councils. As debates continue, it is clear that achieving effective governance at the grassroots level requires addressing issues of autonomy, accountability, and resource allocation. Strengthening local governments is essential for fostering development, ensuring security, and promoting good governance across Nigeria. The discussions at the national conference underscore the need for constitutional reforms and collective efforts to empower local governments, ensuring they can fulfill their role as the bedrock of democracy and service delivery.

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