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An Unending Debate …Of LG Autonomy, Graft
Once again, the debate over whether or not local governments in Nigeria should be autonomous is in the air. And never tired of such contributions, Nigerians have already been conscripted into two unequal groups.
One group is peopled by the 36 state governors, now united by the misfortune of a likely autonomy to local governments and the second, a large majority of others who believe that such autonomy would hasten rural transformation and bring development near the people.
Both divides have their arguments. The governors insist that in every federation, the federating units are the states and not local government areas. Granting such autonomy to LGs therefore, will amount to willfully undermining the spirit of the constitution.
Those who support the governors’ position point to the high level of financial recklessness and corruption among operators of the LG system. They aver that some local government executives run the third tier of government as their personal estates and divert public funds for individual uses, at the expense of the development of the rural areas.
This school of thought insists that such autonomy would be an additional licence for LG chairmen to shortchange the system as they would become untouchables. Instead, they insist, local governments should remain under the supervision of states, who should jointly run their monthly federal allocations. That way, they believe, LG chairmen will be a little bit civil in administering public funds.
But other Nigerians disagree. They insist that the laws that set up local government administration also empowers elected councilors to serve as check against the possible excesses of LG chief executives, just as members of the State Assemblies are expected to do.
Therefore, they argue, accusation of financial recklessness without constitutional control does not hold water, as some councils have at various times, successfully called to order, their LG chief executives and even impeached some.
They insist that such autonomy, will only allow direct funding of LGs and prevent tampering by state governors who are roundly accused of reckless deduction of LG allocations. Such practices, sometimes result in zero-allocation to LGs and make payment of staff salaries impossible, not to mention initiating projects and programme that should address, in a lasting manner, the fluctuating fortunes of the rural poor.
Apart from the Rivers State Government under Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, which took-over from the LGs, payment of primary school teachers, an LG responsibility, other states, in addition to frivolous deductions still leave LGs the burden of teachers’ salary payment.
This is why proponents of the LG autonomy argue that direct federal funding would in no way offend the spirit of the federation Nigeria operates. The sates are still the federating units, but the LGs as special development units who require little or no interference to properly address development at the rural level.
It is indeed their contention that as the closest government to the people, LGs are depended upon to make real meaning out of governance. To achieve that purpose, the third tier of government must annually make projections and implement such budgets in a businesslike manner, and not be subjected to the uncertainties of questionable direct deductions by states.
What this group is actually asking for is the removal of the constitutional provision that empowers State Assemblies to impeach local government chief executives, just as the National Assembly has no hand in the impeachment of any state governors. Another is the direct allocation of resources from the federation account, as already approved by the constitution and not through a joint account.
Such is the nature of the debate. With each group ready to wield its power to either truncate the move or actualise it. Governors have enormous influence over State Assemblies who are key to the possible truncation of the move to grant LGs autonomy, and may use it. The National Union of Local Government Employees, on the other hand is a union with the power of strike. And if the imperative of esprit de corps is anything to go by, a NULGE strike could eventually get sympathy of other unions or even the Nigeria Labour Congress.
This is the nature of the battle now staring the nation in the face, since the National Assembly, adopted the granting of LG autonomy and sending same to the 36 States Assemblies for their concurrence. With two thirds of such Assemblies’ concurrence, LGs will enjoy the needed autonomy, and without it, status quo ante.
Barely a week after the Senate’s action, there are clear signals that LG autonomy, dependent on States Assemblies endorsement may well be a mirage.
Many fear that with the tremendous influence, others call it cordial working arrangement, Governors enjoy with the various State Assemblies, such attempt to amend the constitution and grant LG autonomy is a foregone failure, an effort in futility.
Where does that leave NULGE and by extension organised Labour? Another round of strikes with grave consequences on the fragile economy?
But in what way does autonomy to local government areas hurt the states? If the states did not want local governments’ existence in the first place, why were monthly appropriations allowed to be made to them? With such allocations constitutionally granted, is it germaine for such funds to be superintended over by another tier of government?
Every nation fashions its own laws based on its peculiar circumstances and needs. Nigeria is reputed as home to the most populated rural poor in the world which was why urgent steps were needed to bring development to the rural areas, via the local government administration.
Under the arrangement, the third tier is depended upon to provide basic services like primary schools, markets, link roads, health centres among others. The LGs are also depended upon to embark on poverty alleviation programmes to check the debilitating rural poverty.
These cannot be achieved if federal allocations are subjected to the whims of the states. As elected representatives of the people, LG chairmen should be empowered to function as such. Where they err, as roundly feared, the legislative arm of the councils should have the power to check such excesses. This is how it is done at the state level, where, State Assemblies impeach erring state governors and at the national level, the National Assembly serves as a check on the likely excesses of a President.
This is also why I do not see how local government autonomy will hurt states. Afterall, the LGs know that they are part of the state and by protocol under the supervision of the States’ Chief Executives and as such, be called to order when they err.
Speaking frankly, there are LGs in the country that have really made true meaning of governance as third tier operators. The generalisation that all LGs are reckless is wrong and can be extended to states, if properly checked.
My Agony is that the fate of the LGs in this matter, rests in the hands of the states, which Assemblies have the final say. It is a no-win situation.
David Mark and Amaechi
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.