The autonomy of local governments in Nigeria has been a long-standing debate, recently reignited by a landmark Supreme Court verdict affirming their independence. However, in Cross River State, questions remain about the implementation of this ruling. Since the inauguration of the newly elected chairmen in Calabar by Governor Bassey Otu, the actions of the state government have raised concerns about the extent to which local governments are truly autonomous.
Procurement and Fiscal Independence
One glaring issue is the procurement of official vehicles for council chairmen and vice-chairmen, probably costing ₦2 billion. Some analysts argue these vehicles were gifts from the state government, while others claim they were issued as loans. Regardless of the framing, the involvement of the state government in such a significant financial decision undermines the autonomy of local governments, particularly when funds are meant to accrue independently to local government accounts following the Supreme Court ruling.
If the local councils were indeed autonomous, as mandated by law, they would manage their procurement processes without state interference. The notion of independence should translate into fiscal authority, which has been conspicuously absent in the current administration.
Party Politics and Legislative Control
The composition of local legislative councils also calls autonomy into question. Principal officers were reportedly selected based on directives from the state party leadership, with little to no input from the local government authorities. While the qualifications of those appointed may not be in dispute, the process exemplifies a lack of local decision-making power. This centralization of authority suggests that the local governments function more as extensions of the state government than as independent tiers of governance.
Symbolism of Independence: The Case of Letterheads
The use of state government letterheads by local government officials, as highlighted in Yala, further illustrates the erosion of autonomy. This practice is symbolic of a deeper issue: the blurring of lines between state and local governments. Such actions not only contradict the principles of fiscal federalism but also undermine the essence of local governance, which is to bring government closer to the people.
Recruitment into Local Governments
The ongoing recruitment of staff into local governments by the state government raises additional concerns. Some see this as an attempt to exert control over local councils by tying employment to the state’s authority. This could limit the councils’ ability to exercise independent administrative and financial decisions in the future.
The Broader Context: Historical Dependence
Since the return to democracy in 1999, local governments in Cross River State have operated under the shadow of the state government. The four governors who have led the state during this period bear responsibility for the systemic lack of independence at the local level. The autonomy promised by the constitution and now reinforced by the Supreme Court has yet to materialize in practical terms.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
To address these issues, several steps must be taken:
Independent Electoral Processes: Local government elections should be conducted by a truly independent electoral body to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all political parties.
Transparency and Accountability: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) must be enforced to uncover and address any misuse of local government funds and resources.
Fiscal Decentralization: Local governments should gain full control over their finances, including procurement and budgetary decisions, without interference from the state government.
Awareness and Advocacy: Citizens must remain vigilant and demand transparency in local governance to ensure that autonomy is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s verdict on local government autonomy presents an opportunity for Cross River State to redefine its governance model. However, the current practices suggest a reluctance to embrace true autonomy for local councils. For the benefits of federalism to reach the grassroots, local governments must be empowered to function independently, free from undue influence by the state. The time has come for Cross River State to lead by example and demonstrate a genuine commitment to decentralization and democracy.