LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Back From The Stone Age, But This Time With Receipts!
By Iyke Ezeugo
That’s sure to shock even Rip Van Winkle: The Supreme Court declares local governments a real thing… and in need of funding! This means big things for our 774 local councils: Imagine filled potholes, libraries bursting with life, and maybe even a working park swing! Rural communities can dream of boreholes for water, graded roads, and support for local farmers.
The Time for Change is Now
Hold on to your (metaphorical) horses: State governors have been holding onto these funds for two decades! We need to demand not just future funding, but compensation for the lost opportunities and damaged systems. Don’t be fooled by gubernatorial promises: Remember that “revitalization project” that resulted in a giant inflatable banana? We need citizen oversight – a watchful committee and three padlocks on the local piggy bank!
Citizen Engagement is Key
Time to dust off those budget spreadsheets: It’s our turn to hold town hall meetings and ensure this windfall goes towards community needs, not tropical getaways for officials. The Supreme Court dragged local governments out of the Stone Age, but the work isn’t done: We, the citizens, need to make sure these newfound resources are used wisely. This time, the room for monkeying around has significantly reduced– we want receipts!
Local Governance Matters
This is more than just funding, it’s about reclaiming power: Local governance can be the engine of positive change, filling potholes and fostering community pride. It can nurture our children’s dreams through well-funded schools and vibrant programs. But this engine won’t run on autopilot: Citizen engagement is the fuel. We need to be informed, participate in meetings, and hold our public servants accountable. Download budget reports, not just the latest M-net series show.
Empowered Citizens Unite
This is where the magic happens: When citizens become active participants, local governance transforms. It becomes a force building a brighter future, not just roads and bridges. Let’s get involved, get informed, and get to work! A functioning democracy starts right here, in our own backyards.
Victory for the Common Man
Dr. Iyke Ezeugo agrees: This is a victory for the common people and a wake-up call for governors! Cities, don’t forget your rural neighbors. Now, with proper funding, these communities can blossom. But remember, vigilance is key: Attend town halls, download budgets. Empowered citizens are the ultimate weapon against wasteful spending.
A Functioning Democracy Starts Here
Let’s celebrate this decision, but not get complacent: Roll up your sleeves, grab your magnifying glass, and shine a light on a brighter future. A thriving democracy starts with active and engaged citizens – like you!
The Next Hurdle: Electioneering Autonomy
As we celebrate this victory, let’s not forget that true local governance autonomy requires political and electioneering freedom. There is a need to work towards scrapping state electoral commissions and ensuring INEC conducts elections for local government councils. The transitional committee for Local Government Area councils must be proscribed and declared invalid. I guess this falls on the laps of the lawmakers, not necessarily the apex court. However, only then can we truly say that local government autonomy has been achieved. Anyway, let us continue to push forward, knowing that each victory brings us closer to our ultimate goal of a truly democratic and accountable Nigeria.
As commented by concerned citizens (Chief Kachi Iheme and Dr. Sunny Oby Maduako), “Until the state electoral commissions are scrapped and INEC conduct elections for local government councils, the idea of local government autonomy will remain, but a fleeting illusion…” and “Let us just say that local government autonomy is still on a journey like Johnny Walker.” We couldn’t agree more. The journey to true local governance autonomy has just begun, and we must continue to push for electioneering freedom and accountability.
