Abuja: A former federal lawmaker, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has urged Nigerians to demand the implementation of Local Government Autonomy from their political leaders. Onuigbo, a former member of the House of Representatives, made this call during an interview in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onuigbo expressed concern over the delay in implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling from July 11, 2024, which granted autonomy to local governments. He highlighted the role of state governors as significant obstacles to enacting this change, despite the court’s decision. Onuigbo emphasized the necessity for citizens to hold their elected officials accountable to realize local government autonomy.

He pointed out the discrepancy between the funds allocated to local governments and the lack of visible development. “When you go to many local governments, you see basically nothing happening,” Onuigbo remarked. He noted that despite receiving billions of naira, these funds’ impact remains unseen. Onuigbo claimed that state governments have withheld over 4.5 trillion naira intended for local councils, contrary to the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Onuigbo explained that the Supreme Court’s decision was designed to foster grassroots development and democratisation by ensuring direct allocations to local governments. However, he cited existing constitutional frameworks, particularly Section 162, which mandates joint state and local government accounts, as a hindrance to progress.

He acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to establish a transparent process and commended President Bola Tinubu for his role in facilitating this. Onuigbo encouraged citizens and civil society organizations to question the allocation and use of local government funds to prevent potential corruption and mismanagement.

The delay in implementing local government autonomy has raised concerns about its implications for governance at the local level. However, Onuigbo noted that the Supreme Court’s decision has been welcomed by civil society organizations and local government officials as a move towards fulfilling the constitutional mandate for local government autonomy. He also expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s transparency with the federation account, ensuring that sub-national governments receive their due allocations.