Local Governments’ Autonomy in Nigeria: A Clog in the Wheel, Says Ayo Fayose

Ayo Fayose, a former Ekiti State Governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s recent judgment affirming local governments’ right to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation account. Despite the court’s decision, Fayose believes that state Houses of Assembly and governors will always be a barrier to local government autonomy.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose emphasized that local government chairmen cannot emerge without the support of a governor. He claimed that the House of Assembly of every state controls the activities and checkmates the activities of local governments, making it difficult for true autonomy to be achieved.

Fayose also highlighted the lack of seriousness displayed by many local government officials, stating that workers often don’t bother to come to work on certain days of the week. He further added that even when attempts are made to bring these officials to book, both NULGE (National Union of Local Government Employees) and local government leaders will beg the governor.

The PDP chieftain also criticized the way local governments operate, saying that the state is more effective in administrative performance. He argued that at the local government level, everybody comes to collect money, and even people have left some states to live elsewhere, receiving funds in their accounts.

Fayose’s remarks have sparked debate on the efficacy of the Supreme Court’s judgment in ensuring local government autonomy in Nigeria. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of local governance, the views of Fayose and others will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of local government autonomy.