The autonomy of local governments is creating wrangling among the leaders of the 19 northern states.
While the northern apex socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), did not see any wrong in the autonomy of local governments, the governors of the region are opposing the move.
The ACF had, in its memoranda to the committee on review of the constitution as per the 16 items listed by the committee, told the committee that “local governments should be given more autonomy and joint accounts should be scrapped just as state electoral commissions should give way.
The ACF, argued in its memoranda that, “President, governors and local government chairmen should have a maximum of two tenures of four years each in order to allow for motivation for excellent performance.”
This, they added, is to reduce the abuse of incumbency, stressing that “the country may consider the Chile model which allows for multiple tenures that are not consecutive, or the Bangladesh’s Care Taker Government to conduct elections.”
But the Northern States Governors, in a communiqué at the end of its meeting, resolved that the provision of section 7 of the 1999 Constitution be maintained on the issue of local government administration, adding, however, that the system should be strengthened for enhanced efficiency and accountability.
They also resolved that the revenue allocation formula be amended in favour of states and local governments.
Section 7. (1) of? the 1999 constitution as amended? states that:? “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to section 8 of this constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.”