Abuja Based Lawyer/Human Rights Activist Eme Kalu Ekpu Thanks President Tinubu Over Local Government Autonomy

AN ABUJA-BASED LEGAL PRACTITIONER AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST EME KALU EKPU ESQ. HAS THANKED PRESIDENT AHMED TINUBU ON THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT GRANTING FINANCIAL AUTONOMY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND HARPED ON THE NEED FOR REGIONAL AUTONOMY AS A PANACEA TO SOLVING NIGERIAN COMPLEX CHALLENGES.

An Abuja-based legal practitioner, human rights activist and the Chairman of The Rainbow Patriots for Justice Foundation, an NGO that focuses on promoting social justice, equality and human rights Eme Kalu Ekpu Esq. has expressed his deepest gratitude to President Ahmed Tinubu for the watershed Supreme judgement granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. This judgement is seen as a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, affirming the rights of local governments to receive their allocations directly from the federal government.The section of the Nigerian Constitution that provides for local government is Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended has provided for a democratically elected local government council in each state, it went ahead to provide inter alia,
” Each state government is responsible for ensuring the existence and functioning of local government councils.

• The area of jurisdiction for each local government council must be clearly defined.
• The local government council is responsible for participating in economic planning and development.
• A local government council has the right to vote and be voted for in state elections.
• The National Assembly and State House of Assembly must make provisions for the statutory allocation of public revenue to local government councils.” The Attorney-General of the Federation had filed suit marked SC/CV/343/2024 at the Supreme Court to strengthen the autonomy of the local government areas as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. A cursory look at the Supreme Court judgement under discourse will reveal the following key points:

1. The Supreme Court has affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
2. Local governments across the country should receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation
3. It is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas (LGAs) in their states.
4. The amount standing to the credit of local government councils must be paid by the federation to the local government councils and not any other person or body
5. An order of injunction is granted restraining the defendants i.e the state governments from collecting funds belonging to the local government councils when no democratically elected local government councils are in place.
6. No state government should be paid monies standing to the credit of the local government councils.
7. There should be an order for immediate enforcement and compliance with these orders by the state governments and successive governments henceforth.

Undoutedly, the granting of financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria is a significant political milestone that deserves commendation. It demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to decentralization, grassroots development, and democratic governance.

By granting financial autonomy to local governments, President Tinubu’s administration has taken a crucial focal step towards empowering local communities, promoting accountability, and enhancing the delivery of basic services. This decision also aligns with the principles of federalism, which emphasizes the importance of decentralization and local self-governance.

I warmly commend President Tinubu for this achievement thus, recognizing his efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions, promote good governance, and improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots level. It also encourages continued support for reforms that foster inclusive growth, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians at all levels.

Nevertheless, there is need for President Tinubu to take a further step in granting Regional Autonomy to the different regions in Nigeria for a more decentralised and egalitarian Nigeria. Granting regional autonomy would be a logical next step in decentralizing power and promoting a more egalitarian Nigeria. Regional autonomy would allow for:

1. Greater self-governance and decision-making at the regional level, which will relieve the Federal government of the humogous responsibilities which has continued to bedeviled it’s efficiency and effectiveness. It is absurd and shocking the enormous responsibilities ascribed to the Federal government at the Exclusive list of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended
   Part I. of the Exclusive Legislative List has 68 responsibilities ascribed to the Federal Government.( a discussion for another day)
2. More equitable distribution of resources and opportunities accross all regions.
3. Enhanced cultural and linguistic preservation all regions and nationalities.
4. Improved regional development and infrastructure.
5. Strengthened sense of identity and community development.

By granting regional autonomy, President Tinubu’s administration will adverdently solve the following challenges:

1. Address historical injustices and marginalization.
2. Foster a more inclusive and diverse Nigeria.
3. Promote regional competitiveness and innovation.
4. Enhance national unity and stability.
5. Leave a lasting legacy of decentralization and democratization.

I kindly urge President Tinubu to take this bold step and demonstrate a genuine commitment to deepening democratic ethos, egalitalian governance, recognizing regional diversity, and empowering Nigerians at all levels.

An egalitarian and prosperous Nigeria is possible.

God bless Nigeria.
God bless President Tinubu.

Eme Kalu Ekpu Esq. writes from Abuja, FCT.
23rd July, 2024.