Autonomy: Senators mull more legislative measures to free LGs from states

• Joint Account provision may be deleted
• Separate electoral commission to emerge
• Creation of more states re-echoed

The constitutional provision for the payment of funds meant for local governments into a joint account may be the first victim of the new set of amendments being processed by the National Assembly.

This legislative move is among the radical decisions made by over 40 senators at a retreat in Kano this weekend.

They also resolved to consider the option of creating a separate electoral commission to conduct local government elections.

The retreat, organised by the Senate’s committee on constitution review, led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, deliberated on three key items: Local Government Autonomy, State Police, and Electoral Reforms.

In separate interviews with journalists at the event, senators explained the rationale behind their decisions.

Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo State) said that until Local Governments are liberated, no meaningful development at the grassroots level will happen.

He stated, “In the past, Local Governments had full autonomy and were developing their areas. I believe in full autonomy for the Local Government. I am sure it will work. I don’t believe that Local Government autonomy would empower council chairmen to impeach governors. The fear does not arise, and I don’t believe in it.

“The governors have immense constitutional powers. Only the state assembly can move against the governor. The council chairmen don’t have that power. Governors and council chairmen should focus on their work.”

Regarding state creation in the South East, he added, “The most important agenda for the South East Caucus in the National Assembly is to push for equity and justice. We need an additional state in the South East to bring us in line with other zones in the country, which all have six states. A situation where the South East has five states while others have six does not promote balance. I believe our colleagues from other zones will see the reason and support us.

“For instance, I have my own bill for the creation of Orlu State. There are two other bills from colleagues for the creation of additional states. We will harmonize our positions as a zone. We expect other senators to support us. Our advocacy for state creation is driven by equity, justice, and balance. The governors, members of the National and State Assemblies, and all stakeholders in the South East are with us.”

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa from Niger State, who agreed with Izunaso, said that Local Governments must be freed from the grip of State Governors.

He said, “We will address the issue of State Police and Local Government autonomy. Local Governments need autonomous power to run their administration at the grassroots level so that the impact of governance can reach the people.

“We are a country governed by laws. If there is no conflict between the Supreme Court’s judgment and the Constitution, fine. It is still the Judiciary that interprets the Constitution. The Supreme Court has already granted financial autonomy to Local Governments.

“So, I believe the Constitution should be amended to close any loopholes, and this is the right avenue for us to do so.”

Senator Ned Nwoko from Delta State advanced a similar argument, pointing out that the process has already begun.

He said, “The process has started, and it’s very important. I have committed myself to following it diligently. There are many contending issues. If you look at the list of bills seeking to amend the Constitution, you’ll see I have about six or so bills.

“For example, Local Government autonomy is very critical. The Local Government system has almost died; it exists as a mere third tier of government. Any reforms supporting what the Supreme Court has already done will help revive the Local Government system.

“If we have independent Local Governments where elections are conducted by INEC, with their own funding, and they can manage local security and hospitals like we see in other countries, a lot will improve.”

Nwoko also spoke about the possibility of creating another state, saying, “Anioma State creation is something that must happen. If it’s the only state created during this period, I wouldn’t be surprised. The agitation for Anioma State has been ongoing for almost 50 years.

“It is the oldest agitation for a state. From the Mid-Western Region to Bendel, and now Delta, the quest remains. Some may question whether states are viable, and I say yes. Delta State is viable, and Anioma is particularly viable. Of the nine local governments that make up my senatorial district, which we propose as Anioma State, seven are oil and gas producers. That region is part of the African Rainforest, which means agriculture is also a mainstay.”

Abdulfatai Buhari, an APC member from Oyo State, supported the move to free Local Governments from the control of State Governors.

He said, “Local Government autonomy is key. You can’t achieve that without correcting one thing: Local Government elections must be conducted by an independent body. Period. Without that, they will continue to siphon funds through threats and blackmail.

“If I appoint you as a Local Government chairman, as the governor, you’ll be answerable to me. But if you contest and win your election, you’ll be accountable to the people. As a former Commissioner for Local Government in my state, I know how it works.

“If you want the Supreme Court judgment to hold, we need to expunge the section of the Constitution that talks about the Joint Account.

“Local Government elections must be conducted by an independent body. Doing this will curb corruption and eliminate individuals who think Local Government office is an easy way to make money. When allocations are received directly, the people can hold the chairmen accountable, and it will encourage serious-minded individuals to run for office at the local level.”