The recent actions taken by the Oyo ALGON Chairmen represent a troubling deviation from democratic principles and the needs of the constituents who elected them.
Their decision to denounce their National umbrella ALGON (Association of Local Governments of Nigeria) is not only inconsequential in terms of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy but also undermines the foundational principles of governance at the third tier of government.
The Supreme Court’s judgement on Local Government Financial Autonomy, along with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), recognizes only 774 Local Governments across Nigeria, which includes the 33 Local Governments in Oyo State.
The constitutional and legal framework governing these Local Governments is clear and unambiguous.
Their decision to break away from ALGON is therefore an exercise in futility when viewed against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s ruling. This ruling, which mandates financial autonomy for local governments, represents a landmark advancement in ensuring that local governments can operate with the financial independence required to serve their communities effectively.
The implementation of this ruling is not merely a procedural formality; it is a constitutional guarantee that must be respected and executed without delay.
NULGE stands resolutely behind the Supreme Court judgement with a broader aim to ensure that Local Governments are empowered to fulfill their responsibilities and meet the needs of their constituents.
It’s also important to inform the citizenry that the process of implementing this financial autonomy is underway while observing administrative and procedural templates which are normal components of governance and should not be seen as obstacles but as necessary steps towards realizing the full impact of the Supreme Court judgement.
NULGE remains confident that the Federal Government will enforce the judgment as intended, and that the expected benefits of financial autonomy will materialize within the next two months as one month has just passed by. This timeframe is essential for aligning administrative processes and ensuring that the intended reforms are fully realized.
In view of this, Oyo ALGON Chairmen’s actions have no substantive impact on the broader implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Their move to denounce their membership from the national ALGON body appears to be a strategic ploy rather than a substantive effort to address the needs of local communities. Such actions are seen as tactical maneuvers that divert attention from the real issues at hand—issues that demand adherence to the rule of law and genuine efforts to enhance the effectiveness of local governance.
Therefore, Chairmen in Oyo State are to remember that their electoral mandate was given with the expectation that they would uphold legal standards and work towards reforms that truly benefit the grassroots. The people who voted them into power did so with the hope that their representative would act in the best interests of local governance and serve their communities effectively.
Ultimately, NULGE’s steadfast commitment to the Supreme Court’s ruling and its proactive efforts to ensure its implementation reflect a deep dedication to improving local governance and holding all relevant stakeholders accountable. It is through such commitment and adherence to the rule of law that local governments can achieve their full potential and provide meaningful dividends to the people they are meant to serve.
