From Puppets To Leaders: The Liberation of the Local Government Councils in Nigeria

By Adolphus Arebanmhen Aletor

The Supreme Court‘s recent judgment granting autonomy to Local Government Councils marks the end of an era where governors wielded absolute power. The directive to channel allocations directly to LGs, bypassing state governments, empowers local leaders to focus on development rather than serving as mere puppets. This move confines the practice of forming caretaker committees or dissolving them at will to the dustbin of history.

In the past, experienced and savvy individuals led LGs, delivering on their mandate. However, the caretaker committee system became a tool for governors to satisfy their personal interests, often appointing puppet leaders who danced to their tune. This autonomy brings accountability, diversity in political affiliation, rapid economic development, improved turnaround time, job creation, and increased internally generated revenue.

While some fear recklessness, LG leaders must be given the opportunity to grow and learn. They should exercise caution in partnerships with state governors and resist the urge to convert council treasuries into personal treasuries. The people who elected them expect to experience democracy’s dividends, not oppression. LG leaders must be conservative in their posture, avoiding flamboyance and waste. With politics becoming more local, ward and unit elections will become the new battleground. The people must demand performance from their leaders and institute a model to measure it, rewarding or punishing behaviour according to law.

This development is a victory for democracy and the common man, marking the beginning of reform and liberation. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s courage to experiment and reintroduce successful past models like LG autonomy is commendable. As the people celebrate this victory, they must remain vigilant, ensuring that the newfound power is used for their benefit, not their oppression. 
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