The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu will tomorrow, Monday, December 2, host a national dialogue on local government autonomy......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
The national dialogue on local government autonomy through constitutional review is a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and promoting sustainable development.
According to the organisers, it is essential that all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and government agencies, participate actively in the review process.
To this end, it said, a panel of discussants has been selected to dig dive into the issue.
These include: Adamu Aliero, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former governor of Kebbi State; D Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former governor of Abia State; Adams Oshiomhole, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former governor of Edo State; Hon. Bello Lawal, National President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON); Ambali Akeem Olatunji, National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE); John Mutu, Policy and Governance Specialist while the
Lead Discussants will be Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker, House of Representatives and immediate past governor of Sokoto State; and Ita Enang, former Senior Special Adviser to the President ob National Assembly and National Assembly Matters
Goodwill messages will also be delivered by the following personalities; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and governor of Kwara State; Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Special remarks is to be deliverd by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Similarly, the opening address will be delivered by Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker, 10th House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ultimately, the success of the constitutional review process will depend on the ability of Nigerians to come together and forge a common vision for the future of their country.
“By working together, we can create a more inclusive, participatory, and effective system of government that will truly serve the needs of all citizens.”
The decision was informed as the Nigerian Constitution in its current form has been a subject of debate and controversy, particularly with regards to the autonomy of local governments.
The 1999 Constitution, as amended, has been criticized for its centralized structure, which many argue has hindered the effective functioning of local governments.
In recent years, there have been growing calls for a national dialogue on the review of the Constitution, with a specific focus on granting greater autonomy to local governments. This dialogue is long overdue, and its importance cannot be overstated.
The Need for Local Government Autonomy
Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and as such, they are best positioned to respond to the unique needs and challenges of their communities. However, the current Constitution has limited their ability to function effectively, by concentrating power and resources at the federal and state levels.
Granting autonomy to local governments would enable them to take ownership of their development, make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities, and allocate resources more efficiently. This, in turn, would lead to improved service delivery, enhanced economic development, and increased citizen participation in governance.
The recent Supreme Court ruling in favour of the Federal Government’s suit on revenue allocation due to local governments has been a game-changer for local government autonomy in Nigeria.
The ruling, which insisted on the democratization of local governments, has prompted state governments to conduct local government elections, enabling them to access their revenue and breathe life into their autonomy.
This development is a significant step towards strengthening local governance and promoting grassroots development in the country.
The democratization of local governments is expected to increase citizen participation, accountability, and transparency in local governance.
However, it’s worth noting that the journey to achieving true local government autonomy in Nigeria has been long and challenging.
The country’s federal system has often been criticized for concentrating power and resources at the centre, leaving local governments vulnerable to interference and control by state governments.
Despite these challenges, the recent Supreme Court ruling offers a glimmer of hope for the future of local government autonomy in Nigeria.
As local governments continue to access their revenue and exercise their autonomy, it’s essential to ensure that they remain accountable to their citizens and transparent in their decision-making processes.
The Constitutional Review Process
The Constitution review process provides an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and discuss the future of their country. The process is inclusive, participatory, and transparent, allowing for the diverse views and opinions of citizens to be heard.
