By MUHAMMED DANBABA
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has thrown his weight behind the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. His remarks came following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, which affirmed the financial independence of local government councils.
Oshiomhole expressed his views at a forum on local government autonomy organized by the House of Representatives on Monday. He praised the decision, emphasizing its potential to strengthen grassroots governance.
Governance and Accountability: Oshiomhole’s Call to Action
Drawing from his experience as a former Governor of Edo State, Oshiomhole highlighted the critical role of local government chairmen, who are closest to the people. He underscored the need for prudent resource allocation to address essential infrastructure needs such as roads, hospitals, and public services.
“Local government chairmen have a huge responsibility to serve the people. With financial autonomy, they must ensure accountability and proper use of funds to foster development,” he said.
A Lighter Perspective: Decentralizing Wealth Creation
In a lighter moment, Oshiomhole quipped about the impact of local government autonomy on wealth distribution, saying:
“It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief. At least every local government in Nigeria will produce one or two billionaires rather than having just one billionaire in the state.”
His statement sparked discussions on the potential benefits and risks of decentralizing financial power at the grassroots level.
The Importance of Local Government Autonomy
Local government autonomy has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with proponents arguing it enhances accountability and governance, while critics raise concerns about potential misuse of funds. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to empower local councils to manage their resources independently, potentially fostering development across the nation.