Edo Council Crisis: How LG Autonomy Can Be Fully Achieved

  • The local government autonomy was yet to be fully achieved despite the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the council
  • This is as the Edo state House of Assembly announced the suspension of the elected council chairmen in the state over alleged financial misappropriation
  • However, Okanlawon Gaffar, a legal practitioner, in an interview with TheTalk.NG, calling for the overhauling of the 1999 constitution to grant full autonomy to the LG in Nigeria

Local government autonomy in Nigeria has been a long-standing issue, with recent developments shedding light on its significance.

The Supreme Court’s judgment in July 2024 granted autonomy to local governments, allowing them to manage their funds independently and make decisions without state government interference. This move is expected to enhance grassroots development, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in local government administration.

Okanlawon Gaffar has called for total overhauling of theNigerian constitution to give true autonomy to KG in Nigeria.Lawyer speaks on local government autonomy in Nigeria
Photo Credit: @officialABATSource: Twitter

However, the apex court’s decision appeared insufficient to take the council from the grip of state governors. This is as the Edo House of Assembly passed a resolution suspending the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the state’s 18 Local Government Areas for two months.

This decision was made in response to a complaint by Governor Sunday Okpebholo, who accused the council leaders of insubordination for allegedly failing to comply with his directive to submit their councils’ financial records to him.

Lawyer speaks on Edo LG crisis

Speaking on the matter, a legal practitioner, Okanlawon Gaffar, in an exclusive interview with TheTalk.NG lamented the poor separation of power in Nigeria’s democracy. He said:

“We have a problem with clear-cut separation of power in Nigeria which is evident in the latest development in Edo state. It still balls down to the 1999 constitution that was handed over to us by the military.

“Even though we have had the local government reform, it has still not been fully utilised, which is clear with the interference. My submission will be that until we overall the 1999 constitution and provide clear-cut descriptions of the roles of the three tiers of government. We will continue to have this kind of problem.”

Source: TheTalk.NG


BREAKING: Nasarawa Governor Dissolves Cabinet, Sacks Top Govt Official
TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics and governance. Lafia, Nasarawa state – Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa state, on Friday, January 3, announced the dissolution of his cabinet. As reported by Vanguard newspaper, Sule also sacked the secretary to the state government (SSG). Channels Television also noted the ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Wike, Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Under Fire Over N10 Billion Allocation, Details Surface
TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics and governance. FCT, Abuja – Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has allocated N10 billion for furniture and rent to the presiding officers of the national assembly. As reported by Premium Times on Thursday, January 2, Senate President Godswill ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Edo LG Chairmen, Councillors Defect to APC, Reasons Emerge
TheTalk.NG journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events Edo state – The Suspended Chairman of Ovia South West local government area, Hon Edosa Enowoghomenma and eight elected councillors have defected to the All Progressives Party (APC) . The Leader of the House, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor also ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


How Peter Obi Retired Top Political Bigwigs, Reno Omokri Speaks: “They’re on Life Support”
In a significant twist, Reno Omokri has declared Peter Obi as the leading opposition party figure in Nigeria The renowned author hailed Peter Obi’s perseverance but urged him to address the controversial “Yes Daddy” remarks Omokri, a former presidential aide, also detailed how Peter Obi has retired key political figures in main opposition parties TheTalk.NG ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


How Governor Yusuf Will Help Tinubu Win Kano in 2027, APC Chieftain Explains
The Managing Director of Hadejia Jamaere River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Engr. Rabiu Bichi, said Governor Abba Yusuf’s performance will help President Bola Tinubu win Kano state Bichi said the people of Kano state are ready to vote for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections He said everyone ... Read more Continue reading here ▶


Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Adblock Detected, Please disable your adblock to continue browsing this website