Femi Falana, SAN, has expressed deep concerns over the transition challenges at the local government level in many states across Nigeria. His discontent arises in the context of the recent expiration of the tenure of the 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State. In response, Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed the heads of local government administrations to assume control of the councils.
In an interview with AIT, Falana highlighted that this situation is not unique to Rivers State but is a recurring issue in numerous states across the country. He pointed out that in 20 out of Nigeria's 36 states, local governments are currently managed by caretaker committees or sole administrators instead of democratically elected officials. Falana emphasized that even in the remaining 16 states where transitions have occurred, the local government elections conducted are severely flawed, making them among the worst on the African continent.
Falana stated, "What happened yesterday in Rivers State is being replicated all over the country. Section 7:1 of the constitution mandates that the system of local government shall be by democratically elected councils. However, we now have 20 out of 36 states where local governments are run by caretaker committees or sole administrators. In the other 16 states, including Abuja, the local government elections are fraught with issues such as rigging and the imposition of candidates who were not genuinely elected by the people."
Falana argues that the overarching motive behind these undemocratic practices is to enable governors to control local government funds without opposition. This manipulation undermines the constitutional provision for local governance and impedes democratic processes at the grassroots level. By sidelining democratically elected representatives, governors can more easily divert funds meant for local development, further entrenching their power and stifling opposition voices.
In conclusion, Falana’s critique sheds light on the systemic issues plaguing local governance in Nigeria. He calls for adherence to constitutional mandates and genuine democratic practices to ensure that local governments are run by duly elected representatives, thus fostering accountability and development at the grassroots level.
https://www.youtube.com/live/tL1gVXyuTeU?si=KZDuvhnSRih1mFHo
(From 1:32:40)