“For years, the local government has been almost non-existent merely existing as an appendage of the state government, with the relentless clamour for its financial independence which would and should see its extend effectively, proactively, and practically governance to the led it stands as the closest to”.
It was jubilation in the land last week when the Supreme Court granted the local government its long-sought-after financial autonomy, legalizing the grassroots government to receive and spend their allocated funds without the gatekeeping of the state government.
The ruling was met with mixed reactions, however, as some expressed pessimism at the possibilities of the new fiscal powers granted to the local government, while some welcomed the development as a significant plus for democracy and far-reaching governance in the country.
For years, the local government has been almost non-existent merely existing as an appendage of the state government, with the relentless clamour for its financial independence which would and should see its extend effectively, proactively, and practically governance to the led it stands as the closest to.
Myriad issues confront local communities across the country, and the chances of people within these communities getting their pains and grievances to the ears of the central are almost improbable, it makes no sense that the first point of call when a community faces challenges is the state or the federal government when on paper; there is a creation of a local government with closest proximity to the people to address their needs. Expectedly, this narrative should be a thing of the past henceforth with the autonomy granted to the local government to empower it to carry out its projects and functionalities without the undue restrictions of the state government.
In contrast, it is even a win-win for both state and local government, such that, the state government just got some workloads yanked off their table, as with the full autonomy granted the local arm, the state government can now fully devote its time to its constitutional duties knowing full well the local government has got everything it needs to function independently while only complementing the efforts at the state level, thereby improving the benefits of democratic governance.
Healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services have been some fundamental challenges bedeviling communities such that the absence of financial powers within the local government rendered them handicapped in solving these issues and bringing peace to people’s lives concerning them. There is also the dearth of employment opportunities that have crippled the economic powers and prosperity of hinterlands, such that with a revived and functioning LG economic policies can be developed, tailored to the community’s unique circumstances, and in return foster local businesses, encourage investments, and create job opportunities to stimulate economic growth both individually and collectively.
Importantly, there is also the issue of equity which has long been a source of division among locals. Financial autonomy for local governments reduces the concentration of power and promotes equitable resource distribution. This decentralization ensures that all regions, including marginalized and underserved areas, receive adequate attention and resources. With this, feelings of neglect and disenfranchisement which can be breeding grounds for unrest and insurgency would be no more, thereby promoting peace and enhancing national security.
Romans 13:1
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.
To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old and young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.
It is our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.
So this is a call to action to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, and your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.
Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Conflict, Peace, and Security Management Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace, and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as
internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently a Professor of Leadership, Peace, and Conflict Resolution with ICOF University, USA/Zambia and a Professor of Peace Education with Charismatic International University, Cameroon.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.
Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:
Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey
LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
X: Dr. O.E Bassey
WhatsApp: +2347065828892
Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com
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