On the Wednesday edition of Freshly Pressed, aired on Fresh 105.9FM, the primary focus was on the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial l autonomy to local governments. The discussion, anchored by Comrade Lulu Fadoju; featuring Mr Oluwafemi Popoola and myself, delved into the practicalities and implications of this landmark decision.
- Though I love to do video clips of our conversations but couldn’t find it on my device. My positions are elaborated below because I wouldn’t want anyone to see my lack of excitement at the autonomy as opposition to it; I just don’t see the reason for celebration until the desired effects are felt:
I expressed a belief in the principles of local government autonomy, emphasizing the necessity for both financial and administrative independence. However, I cautioned that the practical implementation of such autonomy faces significant hurdles. One key point I raised was the continued administrative reliance of local governments on state governments. Local governments still depend on state-level support for various responsibilities, a dependency that complicates the realization of full autonomy.
Financial Viability and Sustainability
Financial autonomy poses another major challenge. I pointed out that not all local governments are financially viable. With autonomy, some local governments might struggle to meet financial obligations, including the payment of salaries and other statutory responsibilities. This potential financial strain raises concerns about the sustainability of local governments under the new autonomous framework.
Historical Usurpation and the Need for Re-orientation
The discussion also highlighted the historical context in which state governments have long usurped the responsibilities of local governments. I stressed that reversing this trend requires a significant re-orientation to change the entrenched mindsets and operational norms within the system. The journey towards genuine autonomy necessitates a cultural and administrative shift at both the state and local government levels.
The Role of Civil Engagement
A critical aspect of achieving meaningful local government autonomy, in my opinion, is active civil engagement. I emphasized that the passivity of the populace and constituents undermines the potential benefits of autonomy. For local governments to deliver effectively, there must be robust participation and accountability from the community. Without this active involvement, even the most well-intentioned autonomy will fall short of its goals.
Competence vs. Self-Sufficiency
When asked if the cautious optimism stemmed from a lack of competence among local government leaders, I preferred to frame the issue in terms of “self-sufficiency” rather than incompetence. I acknowledged that local governments lack the capacity to function entirely independently, necessitating continued support from state governments. This nuanced perspective underscores the complexities involved in transitioning to a fully autonomous local government system.
Conclusion: A Journey Begun, but Not Yet Complete. While the Supreme Court judgment marks a significant step towards local government autonomy, I made it clear that the road ahead is fraught with challenges. True autonomy is not yet within reach, but the journey has begun. Achieving genuine financial and administrative independence for local governments will require time, effort, and a concerted push for structural and cultural changes. As the process unfolds, continued dialogue and engagement at all levels will be crucial to navigating the complexities and realizing the potential benefits of local government autonomy.
Rotimi Johnson Ojasope BSc, PGDPA, ANIPR, FPD-CR
Public Affairs Analyst, PR Consultant.
rotisbon2@gmail.com
