On the need for local government autonomy

Federalism is a political arrangement in which governmental powers are shared between the central authority and component units in a way that each level of government is constitutionally independent But the case is not the same with the above definition when it comes to Nigerian federalism because you get to find out that the local […]

Federalism is a political arrangement in which governmental powers are shared between the central authority and component units in a way that each level of government is constitutionally independent
But the case is not the same with the above definition when it comes to Nigerian federalism because you get to find out that the local government which is the third tier of government is not independent of the state government even though it is only stated on paper but in terms of reality it is not.
This is because most state governors benefit from the local government grants which is meant for developmental project and therefore deprived the masses from getting the dividends of democracy.
This is way almost all state governors in the state have consciously refused to conduct elections at the local government and if eventually the elections are even conducted it turns out to be the anointed candidate of the state governor.
For instance if you are to go round to some of our local governments today you will eventually find out that there are no elected chairmen but instead you will find caretaker committee.
These practices have gone a long way in depriving the masses from enjoying the dividends of democracy because the local government is the government that is closer to the masses.
It is in this regard that I am appealing the national assembly and the states houses of assembly and the also the judiciary both at the federal and state level to come out with good measures that will be geared towards ensuring local government autonomy.
For instance the national assembly and the states houses of assembly can enact or makes laws that will aimed at granting local government autonomy and can also enact a law to make it an offence for any state governor who refuse to conduct elections at the local government within a stipulated period of time in which he/she assumes offices.
And also the judiciary can also play a very vital role by pronouncing or declaring any act of a governor null and void in case he/she fails to conduct local government elections.
So it is in this light that I am seeking the indulgence of President Muhammadu Buhari and our state governors to please support the autonomy of the local government not for anything but rather for national interest.
Titus Chongkon, Bauchi, Bauchi State