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To ensure that Local Government autonomy yields dividends for the grassroots, a system of checks and balances must be put in place to guarantee accountability among local council helmsmen, argues Thaddeus Fabamise, a professor of law at Afe Babalola University. This would prevent the concentration of power and promote transparency.
While the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments has been widely applauded, Professor Thaddeus Fabamise cautions that the true test lies in implementation.
He emphasizes that those tasked with putting this autonomy into practice must meticulously balance the potential advantages and obstacles to ensure that governance at the local level is truly effective.
The don spoke on Sunday at the first Otunba Ayan Kolawole Memorial Lecture, titled, ‘Supreme Court’s Decision on ‘Local Government Autonomy: Implication and Way Forward.’
The Supreme Court has delivered a significant verdict, granting local governments financial independence from their state counterparts. This ruling follows a legal challenge by the Federal Government, which contested the states’ control over local government finances in a bid to empower grassroots governance.
The Supreme Court has ordered that funds meant for the 774 local governments be paid directly to them, eliminating the need for state government intermediation. This move is expected to enhance financial autonomy and promote grassroots development.
In a further blow to state government control, the Supreme Court has outlawed the practice of governors appointing caretaker committees to manage local governments, emphasizing that only democratically elected officials can legally administer LG affairs.
Speaking on Sunday, Fabamise noted that the judgment of the Supreme Court had generated varied reactions, noting, however, that for it to be beneficial, a system of accountability must be put in place.
Read also: Shettima: LG Autonomy Key To Revitalizing Education Sector
“The judgment, significant in promoting good governance, will invigorate local governments, bringing development to the grassroots, and ensuring accountability to the electorate. However, while the Supreme Court has rendered its decision, some argue that it is legally flawed.
“The crux of the problem addressed by the judgment is the rampant mismanagement of funds within local governments. If local governments have unrestricted access to substantial funds, there is a risk of misappropriation. The state governors currently supervise spending, and with this judgment, those responsible for implementation must carefully weigh the potential benefits and challenges to ensure effective governance.”
Ekiti State’s Attorney-General, Mr. Dayo Apata, observed that Local Council Development Areas have been established in some states to promote grassroots governance. However, he stressed that these bodies currently operate without constitutional backing, necessitating formal recognition to become official entities.
“Some states in Nigeria have brought governance closer to the grassroots by creating Local Council Development Areas. This approach ensures that governance is more accessible to the people and better aligned with local practices. However, while there is nothing inherently wrong with this initiative, the constitution has not yet recognised LCDAs. “
From his vantage point in the UK, Mr. Ademola Fasubaa shared his expertise on local government perspectives in the UK and USA, bringing a valuable diaspora perspective to the discussion. His presentation offered a fresh outlook on local governance, drawing on international experience.
