With 774 local governments, slightly more than 8800 wards, the third and arguably most important tier of government in Nigeria, is chiefly existing on papers.
How could the system be effective when the tripartite tiers enshrined in our constitution have been ruined to the point that some of the governors run the local government administration as their sole proprietorship business.
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Many local government councils can barely repair hand pumps of boreholes; in some even digging wells has proved to be a herculean task.
Travel to the length and breadth of Nigeria and you will be astounded at what the rural areas confront. These are the areas where a chunk of all votes comes from. These people stayed in the sun for hours to vote but the only chance they can get of government’s presence has been flagrantly denied by those who purportedly represent them.
A system built on tripod structure cannot survive on twain plain pillars; it will definitely collapse. This is what we have seen over the years when they took away the local government from the people and readily gifted it to the governors.
Thus, it was cheering when the National Assembly approved the constitutional amendment abolishing joint account in states and resuscitating local government administration. The 8th Senate and House of Representatives did the same about five years ago. However, it never saw the light of the day as it was voted out by the state assemblies.
The problem has always been at the state houses of assembly. With their support, we could have had the local government autonomy realised.
However, I have come to the conclusion that the assemblies are helpless being that a substantial number of them can hardly go against their governors even when they are wrong.
I think seeing the inadequacy of the state legislatures is what prompted the president to champion autonomy for state houses of assembly and states’ judiciary, which the governors effectively fought against in court. This led to the invalidation of the Executive Order 10. If Mr President had been successful, it would have definitely aided in getting the local government autonomy. Since it has not been successful, does that mean we should throw in the towel on our aspirations for a productive local government administration in Nigeria? No, we cannot afford to do that.
It is apparent that we need to change the approach, hence I will advocate more involvement of the electorate in the entire process, if we are truly desirous of changing the status quo. Nigerians in all states must follow the process keenly and know who among their representatives at the state houses of assembly have voted for or against the bill. This is imperative in order not to shield those who inadvertently or by design have decided to be against the masses for self-serving reasons. We must be vigilant. Nigerians should do the needful at the polls by rewarding those who truly stand and care for them, to continue their good work in office. I believe we will finally get the elusive local government autonomy actualised.
Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani wrote from Turaki B, Jalingo
