The Senate Committee on Constitution Review has concluded a two-day retreat in Kano, where lawmakers reached a consensus on granting full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. This decision comes amid concerns over the manipulation of local government roles by state governors and a recent Supreme Court ruling addressing the issue.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged to prioritize local government autonomy in the ongoing constitutional amendments. During the retreat, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, along with Senators Ali Ndume, Sani Musa, Abdulfatai Buhari, Osita Izunaso, and Ned Nwoko, expressed strong support for the move, arguing that it is long overdue. They highlighted that while the 1999 Constitution currently places local governments under the control of state governments, evolving circumstances make it crucial to grant them independence to improve governance at the grassroots level.
However, discussions on state police saw varying opinions, with some geopolitical zones, such as the South-East and South-South, pushing for the creation of additional states to enhance political representation and address regional aspirations.
The committee’s decision to support local government autonomy reflects a broader commitment to enhancing governance and ensuring that the laws of the country serve the best interests of its citizens.
“So, if we’re talking about local government autonomy, the way some of us have looked at it, in the senate and in the National Assembly, is that we need to complement what the Supreme Court has said.
“The Supreme Court didn’t say anything that is not in our constitution. The Supreme court only gave it some further clarity.”
“Arising from that, it’s also important that as much as possible, we also ensure that the fear that governors will not allow local governments to function can also be addressed through further tinkering with our constitution.
“For instance, a lot of stakeholders are concerned that for as long as local governments elections are conducted through state independent federal commissions, there could be a highway to nowhere.”
In his own submission, Osita Izunaso said arguments about possiblity of local government chairmen becoming too powerful to the extent of impeaching governors if granted full autonomy, does not holds water.
He said, “When we started in this country, local governments had full autonomy then and they were developing their areas. I believe in full autonomy of the local government.”
“I am sure it is going to work. I don’t believe that LGs autonomy would empower council chairmen to impeach the governors. The fear does not arise and I don’t even believe in it.”
“The governors have immense constitution powers. Only the state assembly can move against the governor. The council chairmen don’t have the power. Governors and council chairmen should face their work.”
