Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to create a plan for local councils to manage their finances.
This move aims to strengthen democracy at the local level by granting councillors financial independence from the executive branch.
The Assembly’s resolution, led by Sani Okanlawon, emphasises a key issue: the current system where local government legislatures rely on the executive for funding. According to Okanlawon, this arrangement weakens the separation of powers and leaves councillors vulnerable to executive influence.
In response, the Assembly has directed its Committee on Local Government Administration to draft a law that would grant legislative councils financial autonomy.
The Speaker, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, expressed concern about a separate but related issue, noting that some former council chairmen still maintain financial control.
He urged action to address this irregularity. Several other lawmakers, including Solomon Bonu, Desmond Elliot, and Akinsanya Nureni, also voiced their support for the motion, emphasising that financial autonomy is crucial for effective and independent governance.
