The Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has bemeaoned that the poor quality of elections into local government councils across the states only undermines the very essence of democracy but also raises serious concerns about the integrity and functionality of the local governance structures.
Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu disclosed this while declaring open a National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment in Abuja on Monday.
He informed that when elections are characterised by lack of competitiveness wherein the ruling party sweeps all positions, it becomes evident that Nigeria is witnessing a mockery of democratic principles.
The Speaker mentioned that the scenario is not merely an embarrassment; it poses a significant threat to the democracy, it fosters an environment where undesirable elements infiltrate these councils, often lacking the necessary capacity and vision to govern effectively.
According to him, local governments become mere appendages of state governments or pawns in the hands of so-called godfathers who manipulate political outcomes for their own gain.
While admitting that the House acknowledged and appreciated the recent efforts made by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in strengthening the local government system, Abbas said the recent Supreme Court judgment mandating the conduct of elections into the councils and direct disbursement of funds to them has provided a significant legal framework that supports the autonomy and functionality of local governments across the country.
“This landmark decision is a testament to our collective commitment to uphold democratic principles at all levels of governance.
“While we celebrate these advancements, we must also acknowledge that the need for comprehensive reform has never been more urgent as some nagging issues persist.
“Constitutional reforms are essential to address these challenges comprehensively. We must advocate for greater financial autonomy for local governments by ensuring that they receive adequate funding directly from federal allocations without excessive state control.
“Additionally, we should explore mechanisms that empower local governments with more decision-making authority over their affairs.
“Investment in capacity building for local government officials is paramount, the Speaker said training programs should be established to equip them with the skills required for effective governance and service delivery.
“Importantly, we must confront the disgraceful poor conduct elections into the councils. We must find a way of instilling transparency, fairness, and openness in the conduct of elections into local governments.
“Doing this would require the understanding and collaborative efforts of the state governors and Houses of Assembly. We must find a way of convincing them that a strengthened local government system would relieve the States of unnecessary burdens and lead to grassroots development.”
“I am aware that the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has initiated talks with the state governors and speakers of the state Houses of Assembly, as the key drivers of the local government system, to ensure compromises and common ground on the subject.
“I support this initiative and hope that it will yield the necessary outcomes in the amendments of the necessary provisions of the constitution,” he said.
In his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, lamented that the current state of local government councils and areas in Nigeria is less than ideal, with issues such as limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity hindering their effectiveness.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort among stakeholders to achieve meaningful reform in Nigeria’s local government system.
The Deputy Speaker said the national dialogue offers a platform for stakeholders to deepen their understanding of the issues, align their strategies, and build a coalition to champion the cause of local government reform.
“Today, we convene not only to discuss a critical aspect of governance but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing democratic principles and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
“This convening exemplifies the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing national challenges. Local governments, as the closest tier of government to our citizens, are pivotal in ensuring the delivery of essential services, ensuring inclusion, and enhancing democratic participation.
“However, as we are all acutely aware, the current state of local government councils and areas in Nigeria leaves much to be desired. Issues of limited autonomy, constrained financial independence, and weakened administrative capacity have continued to hinder their effectiveness.
“The task before us today is both ambitious and achievable: to chart a clear and actionable path toward local government autonomy. This requires us to reimagine the role of local governments as independent and effective partners in Nigeria’s
governance structure.
“The focus areas for this dialogue—ranging from financial and administrative autonomy to constitutional amendments in that regard are not just technical necessities; they are foundational to a governance system that is equitable, inclusive, and accountable.
Achieving these reforms will require a coordinated effort among federal and state governments, lawmakers, judicial
bodies, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and local communities.
“However, this national dialogue offers us an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding, align our strategies, and build a coalition of stakeholders who will champion this cause at every level.”
