The emergence and functioning of the current local government leadership, much like in the past, often raises concerns among indigenous people. This is because the local government system was deliberately designed to fail. Even with the Supreme Court’s verdict granting autonomy to local councils, council chairmen remain unable to exercise true independence due to the overwhelming control exerted by state governors, who have become significant obstacles to democratic governance.
Over the past 2 and 1/2 decades, Nigeria has conducted seven governorship elections. Yet, none of the governors elected during this period can account for the trillions of Naira allocated to develop and sustain the Nigerian local economy. The aggressive manner in which state governors fight to control local government resources exposes a blatant pattern of greed. It raises questions about why they are so invested in exploiting a system designed to serve the grassroots.
The concept of “local government” should reflect its intended purpose—addressing local needs and responsibilities. A local government chairman should be critiqued for failing to fulfill local duties but not mocked for using locally sourced shrubs in symbolic acts, such as honoring fallen heroes.
Today, local government chairmen can be held accountable because of the federal government’s commitment to enforcing the autonomy granted by the Supreme Court. This provides an opportunity to scrutinize the funds accruing to local government treasuries and demand transparency.
In my view, the people of our local governments must unite in support of their council chairmen to resist the intimidation and exploitation by state governors. These governors have consistently diverted resources meant for local councils to enrich themselves and develop their home districts, leaving other areas neglected.
The usual threats to remove local government chairmen for prioritizing the welfare of their people have been neutralized by the Supreme Court’s ruling. Local councillors, who are naturally tasked with holding council chairmen accountable, must align themselves with the interests of the people they represent. The cooperation and support of the community can strengthen the authority of local governments and ensure their success in delivering on their mandate.
Therefore, in Yala, where the CPS has been taunted for not living up to his official responsibility of creating more colourful optics for the Armed Forces Remembrance wreath laying rituals and parade, I want to appeal to all stakeholders in the communication sectors, journalists, bloggers and other mediapreneurs in the ecosystem to be of consultative importance to the local government information department.
Nevertheless, it won’t be a bad idea if the CPS turns around and requests for support and innovative ideas from his colleagues on the outside, given the vastness of his responsibilities and his drive to succeed.