In Imo State, the evolution of local governance has been a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader political landscape, marked by significant shifts in the role and effectiveness of Local Government Chairmen over the decades. During the 1980s and the early 1990s, Local Government Chairmen in Imo State were key figures in grassroots governance. These leaders were typically individuals with strong community ties and a genuine commitment to local development. Despite limited financial resources, they successfully spearheaded developmental projects such as building primary healthcare centers, schools, and rural roads. The caliber of these leaders was high; they were known for their sense of duty, integrity, and moral leadership. Their positions of respect within their communities enabled them to mobilize resources and foster a participatory approach to governance.
The relationship between Local Government Chairmen and the state governor during this period was characterized by cooperation and a healthy degree of autonomy. While governors provided oversight and strategic guidance, they generally refrained from excessive interference in local governance matters. This autonomy allowed Local Government Chairmen to make decisions tailored to their communities’ specific needs, resulting in a more responsive and effective governance system.
However, in recent years, this autonomy and effectiveness have been significantly undermined. The local government system in Imo State, similar to many other states across Nigeria, has suffered from increased interference by state governors. The practice of appointing ‘sole administrators’ or ‘transition chairmen’—often loyalists or stooges of the governor—has become common. This shift has weakened the democratic fabric of local governance, as these appointed officials frequently prioritize the governor’s interests over those of the local population.
A critical factor contributing to the erosion of local governance in Imo State is the control of local government funds by state governments. Often, funds allocated to local governments from the Federation Account are not directly transferred to them; instead, they are controlled by the state government. This has resulted in local governments being deprived of the resources necessary to fulfill their constitutional duties, such as maintaining infrastructure, providing essential services, and fostering local economic development.
Furthermore, the political culture in Imo State has exacerbated the decline in local government effectiveness. When elections are held, they are frequently marred by irregularities such as vote-buying, intimidation, and the imposition of candidates favored by the governor or ruling party. This has led to the election or appointment of leaders who lack the vision, capacity, or commitment needed to drive local development. As a result, many Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Imo State remain underdeveloped, plagued by poor infrastructure, inadequate social services, and limited economic opportunities.
To address these challenges and restore effective local governance in Imo State, several actions are required. A critical first step is advocating for legal reforms that ensure the financial and administrative autonomy of local governments. This includes amending state laws to prohibit governors from appointing caretaker committees or sole administrators and ensuring that local government funds are directly allocated to them.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy in Nigeria has significant implications for Imo State, particularly in the context of the rumored upcoming local government elections. The court has mandated that federal allocations to LGAs must be paid directly into their accounts, bypassing state governments. This ruling is intended to enhance the financial independence of LGAs, allowing them to manage their resources without undue state interference. Additionally, the court ruled that the use of caretaker committees by state governors to control local governments is unconstitutional and violates the 1999 Constitution. Democratically elected local government councils must be allowed to function, and any attempts to dissolve or undermine them are considered breaches of the Constitution.
In Imo State, this ruling presents a direct challenge to the current political dynamics, where the governor and the state-controlled Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) have historically wielded considerable influence over local government administration. The Supreme Court’s decision exposes the unreliability of state electoral commissions like ISIEC, often seen as extensions of the governor’s authority. This control has led to manipulated elections and the installation of loyalists as interim administrators, effectively stifling genuine democratic governance and grassroots development.
The Supreme Court’s ruling provides a legal framework supporting LGA autonomy, potentially paving the way for more transparent and democratic local governance if implemented correctly. However, enforcing this ruling in Imo State will require vigilance from civil society, political stakeholders, and the electorate to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted fairly and that governors adhere to the court’s directives. Citizens must demand genuine reforms that prevent the appointment of governors’ stooges and ensure that elected officials represent the people’s will.
Moreover, Governor Hope Uzodinma’s recent statement that the rumored upcoming LGA elections in Imo State would involve “consensus” candidate selection has sparked significant skepticism and concern among political observers, civil society groups, and local stakeholders. The notion of “consensus” in Nigerian politics often implies that candidates are chosen by a select group of party elites or state executives, rather than through a transparent, democratic process involving broader party membership or the electorate. This approach undermines democratic governance and transparency by excluding ordinary party members and the public from decision-making.
Given Imo State’s history of electoral controversies and irregularities, the proposed “consensus” candidate selection is viewed by many as a continuation of past practices that favor the governor’s loyalists. The perceived lack of independence of ISIEC further compounds this skepticism. ISIEC, responsible for organizing and overseeing local government elections in the state, is often perceived as being under the governor’s control, raising doubts about its ability to conduct impartial and fair elections.
In light of these concerns, there is a growing call for greater transparency and inclusiveness in the upcoming local government elections in Imo State. Political analysts and civil society groups argue that for these elections to be credible and for local governance to improve, candidates must be selected through a transparent, democratic process involving active participation from party members and the electorate. There is also a demand for ISIEC to demonstrate greater independence and neutrality to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
While Governor Uzodinma’s statement about consensus candidate selection may be presented as a strategy to promote unity, it is met with significant skepticism due to concerns about transparency, fairness, and potential state interference in local governance. For the upcoming elections to be credible and reflect the people’s will, a clear commitment to democratic principles, transparency, and respect for local government autonomy is essential.
As Imo State approaches the rumored local government elections, it is imperative for citizens, civil society, and political actors to collaborate to ensure a free, fair, and credible process. By resisting the imposition of unqualified or unaccountable leaders and advocating for reforms that restore local government autonomy, Imo State can reclaim its legacy of effective grassroots governance and ensure that local governments serve their communities’ interests, rather than the ambitions of state governors.
By Hon Chima Nnadi-Oforgu “Duruebube Uzii na Abosi”
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
Leave a comment