Politics
Don Seeks Autonomy For LGAs
A lecturer with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),
Prof Francis Okoli, has called for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to
make the local government councils become fully-autonomous.
Okoli canvassed this view in Akure in a paper he presented
at a national workshop on “Repositioning the Local Governments for Effective
Service Delivery in Nigeria.”
The lecturer, in a paper entitled “Inter-Governmental
Relations and the Survival of Local Governments in Nigeria, Security
Challenge,” said that local governments, as the closest to the people, should
enjoy financial autonomy.
He suggested that the legislative and executive powers of
the local government should be enshrined in the constitution immediately after
those of the federal and state governments.
To achieve this, the don said, Chapters 1, part II, Sections
4 and 5 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended.
“To remove state government’s interference in local
government finances, and thus ensure financial autonomy, Chapter 1, Section 7,
Sub-section 6 (b) should be deleted from the constitution.”
Okoli said that all those constitutional amendments were
necessary so that the structure of the local government under the 1999
Constitution and its functions would be in tandem with the expectation of the
presidential system of governance.
He said that if this was done, local government councils in
Nigeria would begin to function truly and effectively as the third tier of
government with minimum interference from both the federal and state
governments.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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