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NULGE Gives Reasons Why Tinubu Must Enforce Local Government Autonomy

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The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) states that the enforcement of local government autonomy is not just a legal mandate but a critical step towards sustainable development in Nigeria. It promises to address issues such as rural-urban migration, infrastructural deficits, security challenges, and economic empowerment.
The struggle for local government autonomy in Nigeria has been a long and arduous journey, lasting over two decades. Recently, the Federal Government secured a landmark Supreme Court judgment that advocates for the autonomy of local governments. This decision has been met with various reactions, particularly from the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who have been at the forefront of this agitation. 
Fiscal autonomy is one of the key pillars NULGE has been advocating for. This concept entails that local government allocations, as appropriated, should be deposited directly into their coffers without intermediaries. Currently, state governments have hijacked several revenue sources that should belong to local governments, such as signage fees, land use charges, and revenue from primary health centers. NULGE argues that these practices are illegal and that local governments should regain control over their rightful sources of revenue.
Political autonomy is another critical aspect. NULGE believes that the composition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) can never bring about credible elections in Nigeria. They argue for a more representative electoral body that includes members from various professional and social groups. This new structure would ensure that local government elections are free from undue state government influence, promoting fair and democratic processes at the local level.
The Supreme Court has ruled that no elected political officials should have the power to dissolve, suspend, or remove elected political leadership at the local government level. This decision emphasizes the need for administrative autonomy, ensuring that local government officials can serve their full terms without interference. Furthermore, NULGE calls for the entrenchment of the Local Government Service Commission in the constitution to ensure quality assurance and regulatory oversight at the local government level.
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the Federal Government has delayed the implementation of local government autonomy. NULGE is concerned about this delay, emphasizing that there is no justification for it. They call on President Tinubu to enforce the judgment promptly, highlighting that local government autonomy is crucial for addressing the myriad of problems facing Nigeria.
One significant impact of local government autonomy would be the reduction of rural-urban migration. Currently, many people move to urban centers due to infrastructural deficits in rural areas. With autonomy, local governments would have the resources to develop rural infrastructure, making these areas more livable and reducing the pressure on urban centers.
Local government autonomy would also enable the development of rural roads, which are essential for food security. Improved road networks would allow farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, positively impacting the rural economy and contributing to the national GDP.
Security is another area that would benefit from local government autonomy. Local governments would have the authority to organize and fund local security outfits, providing a more effective response to security challenges. By empowering local communities to handle their security, there would be better intelligence gathering and a more robust defense against criminal activities.
Local government autonomy would also enhance empowerment and skills acquisition programs. With dedicated resources, local governments could implement vocational training and community development initiatives. This would particularly benefit the youth, women, and disadvantaged groups in rural areas, leading to economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
Improving primary healthcare and education is another potential benefit of local government autonomy. With adequate funding, local governments could revitalize primary health centers, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and improve the quality of primary education. These improvements would have a profound impact on the overall well-being and future prospects of rural communities.
NULGE has been a steadfast advocate for local government autonomy, engaging with various stakeholders and conducting nationwide campaigns. They have received support from former presidents, traditional rulers, and other influential figures who recognize the importance of local government autonomy for Nigeria's development.
NULGE recommends that President Tinubu takes decisive action to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. They suggest that local governments open special accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure direct payment of allocations. This would bypass the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) and prevent state governments from hijacking local government funds.
The Federal Government must play a pivotal role in balancing the interests of governors and NULGE regarding local government autonomy. President Tinubu, known for his adherence to the rule of law, must assert his authority and ensure that the judgment is implemented without further delay. By doing so, he would be addressing the needs of the Nigerian people and promoting good governance at the local level.





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