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Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives and the South-East representative on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed push for full local government autonomy, blaming state governors for allegedly delaying the release of over ₦4.5 trillion meant for councils nationwide.

Onuigbo described President Tinubu’s position on the matter as bold and statesmanlike, noting that the President’s remarks at recent meetings of the All Progressives Congress National Executive Committee and National Caucus reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening governance at the grassroots. According to him, the President’s insistence that local governments must directly access their statutory allocations is critical to inclusive economic development and national stability.

He expressed concern that despite a clear Supreme Court ruling delivered in July 2024, which declared the operation of joint state-local government accounts unconstitutional, funds meant for the country’s 774 local government councils are still allegedly being channelled through state governments. Investigations by a national newspaper, he noted, revealed that the practice has continued nearly one year after the judgment, undermining both constitutional order and grassroots service delivery.

Onuigbo commended President Tinubu for initiating the legal process that culminated in the landmark judgment and for backing it with administrative steps aimed at ensuring compliance. He cited the setting up of a high-level implementation committee and the directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria to open dedicated accounts for local governments as evidence of the President’s resolve.

“Supreme Court judgments are final and binding, not optional. The President has demonstrated uncommon political will by insisting that funds meant for local governments must get to them directly,” Onuigbo said, adding that Tinubu’s comments at party meetings reflected his understanding that sustainable national development begins from the grassroots.

According to the former lawmaker, the major obstacle to full implementation of local government autonomy lies with state governors. He alleged that some governors have gone as far as passing state laws requiring council chairmen to obtain approval before initiating projects, thereby weakening the independence of local administrations.

“The federal government has done what is required—legally, administratively and politically. What is left is for state governments to obey the Constitution and respect the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he stated.

Onuigbo recalled that in the early years of the Fourth Republic, local governments were more effective in executing development projects when they enjoyed greater financial freedom. He said councils were then able to construct rural roads, extend electricity to communities, build markets and implement youth empowerment programmes without undue interference.

He linked the ongoing denial of local government funds to broader economic and social challenges, including insecurity, youth unemployment and rural neglect. According to him, direct financial empowerment of councils would stimulate local economies, reduce social tensions and enhance community-based governance.

While acknowledging constitutional issues, particularly provisions of Section 162 relating to joint accounts, Onuigbo expressed confidence that the federal government’s committee would find practical and lawful mechanisms to enforce the judgment without breaching constitutional safeguards.

He also urged citizens to demand greater accountability from both local government officials and state governments, stressing that public scrutiny remains vital to curbing misuse of public funds.

“The citizen is the most important institution in a democracy. People must demand to know how much comes to their local governments and how it is spent. Accountability begins when citizens ask questions,” he said.

Onuigbo further praised President Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, pointing to adjustments in fuel pricing, easing inflationary trends and early signs of economic recovery. He noted that although the administration began under difficult economic conditions in 2023, the country is now entering a phase of gradual stabilisation.

“The task now is consolidation and ensuring that the benefits of these reforms reach ordinary Nigerians. Local government autonomy is a key instrument for achieving that,” he said.

He expressed optimism that with most governors now aligned with the ruling party, resistance to local government autonomy would diminish, allowing the long-delayed reform to take full effect.

“I am confident that President Tinubu will see this through. He will be remembered as the leader who restored the integrity of the local government system and returned governance to the people,” Onuigbo concluded.

StreetReporters.ng

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