Supreme Court’s Move for Decentralization in Nigeria

By Christian C Madubuko, PhD.

A Milestone in Decentralization and Democracy

In a historic ruling, the Supreme Court has granted financial autonomy to the 774 local council areas in Nigeria, a decision hailed as a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward true decentralization and democratization. This Supreme Court ruling, known as the Supreme Court’s Move for Decentralization in Nigeria, is seen as a game-changer for local government autonomy, promising to transform the landscape of governance at the grassroots level

Presidential Determination and Judicial Egalitarianism

I commend the President for his administration’s determination to empower the LGAs, and I urge further steps to ensure that these councils achieve true independence and autonomy. The Supreme Court judges who delivered this verdict have demonstrated remarkable egalitarianism and a commitment to upholding the principles of federalism and democracy. Their robust commitment to the survival of our democracy is commendable and should continue to guide future judicial decisions.

The Need for True Autonomy

LGAs are the closest tier of government to the people, playing a critical role in providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. However, their ability to perform these functions has been severely hampered by a lack of autonomy. State governors have used their powers to impose their will on the LGAs, leading to a lack of accountability, inefficiency, and corruption.

The recent Supreme Court judgment offers a chance for LGAs to break free from this stranglehold and become truly autonomous. This step towards decentralization and democratization allows for more inclusive participation and representation at the local level.

The Role of INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a critical role in ensuring that elections are free, fair, and transparent. For LGAs to be truly independent, INEC must conduct elections to these councils directly. This will ensure that the process is free from manipulation and interference by state governors or other external forces.

INEC’s direct conduct of elections will also promote accountability and transparency, as voters will have a genuine say in who represents them at the local level. This will lead to more effective governance and better service delivery, as elected officials will be accountable to their constituents rather than external authorities.

The Significance of Direct Elections

Direct elections by INEC will have a profound impact on LGAs:

1. Promoting Accountability and Transparency: Voters will have a direct say in who represents them at the local level, ensuring elected officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions. This will lead to more effective governance and better service delivery.
2. Increasing Citizen Participation: Direct elections will enhance citizen engagement in the political process. Citizens will be able to choose their leaders directly, leading to a more inclusive and representative democracy.
3. Reducing Corruption and Patronage Politics: By allowing voters to choose their leaders directly, corruption and patronage politics will be reduced. Elected officials will be more accountable to their constituents, rather than to external patrons or benefactors.

The Consequences of SIEC

Allowing state governors to conduct elections through the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC) will have severe consequences for LGAs:

1. Perpetuating Corruption and Patronage Politics: State governors can appoint stooges to the councils, continuing to exert control over these councils and manipulating election results to impose their own candidates.
2. Undermining Accountability and Transparency: Governors can manipulate the process, using their powers to rig elections and impose their own candidates, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency.
3. Excluding Opposition Parties: Governors fight any opposition, often eliminating dissenting voices. This results in the selection of stooges and manipulated election results, undermining democratic principles.
4. Reducing Citizen Participation: Elections conducted by state governors or their agents disconnect citizens from the political process, leading to a lack of trust and disillusionment with politics.

Conclusion: A Call for True Autonomy

I urge INEC to conduct direct elections into LGAs, free from manipulation and interference by state governors or other external forces. Citizens and opposition parties must fully participate in this process, exercising their right to vote and holding elected officials accountable.

By promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in the electoral process, we can build a more inclusive and representative democracy at the local level. This will reduce corruption and patronage politics, fostering a more just and equitable society.

I commend the President for his administration’s determination to grant financial autonomy to LGAs and urge further steps to ensure these councils are truly independent and autonomous. I also commend the Supreme Court judges who delivered this verdict for their commitment to upholding democratic principles.

To the enemies of democracy, be aware that the era of exploiting LGA resources is coming to an end. The grassroots now have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits long denied to them. Let us work together to make our communities better places for good governance.

By working together to promote true autonomy for LGAs, we can build a brighter future for our country.

Links

1. Supreme Court of Nigeria
2. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
3. Nigerian Local Government Reform
4. Federalism and Decentralization in Nigeria
5. Impact of Financial Autonomy on Local Governance
6. Role of INEC in Nigerian Elections
7. Strengthening Grassroots Democracy