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Advocates Condemn Kwara Local Government Elections, Call for True Financial Autonomy
A group of community leaders in Offa, Kwara State championing local government autonomy has condemned the recently concluded Kwara State local government elections, describing the process as a “charade” lacking transparency and fairness.
The group, led by Abdullatif Kunle Ajeigbe, the Aare Bobaselu of Offa, in a statement on the outcome of the polls advocate for true financial and administrative independence for local councils.
Speaking on the election, Ajeigbe expressed disappointment over the conduct of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWIESEC), stating that the results were compromised by state interference.
According to him, the elections failed to reflect the will of the people and highlighted the need for immediate reforms to restore credibility to local governance.
“The entire process was marred by state interference and lacked the fairness and transparency that true democracy demands.
“This election was nothing short of a farce, and it reinforces the urgent need for genuine local government autonomy,” Ajeigbe said.
The group lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to local government reforms, citing the July 2024 Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local councils.
The ruling effectively stripped state governors of control over funds meant for local governments, directing that allocations be paid directly to the councils without interference.
Ajeigbe praised the ruling as a significant victory for grassroots democracy, noting that it was a critical step in addressing the long-standing issue of state governors’ grip on local councils.
“The Supreme Court’s verdict was clear and unequivocal. Local governments must receive their funds directly and manage them without any interference from the state.
“This is a victory for democracy, accountability, and good governance at the grassroots level,” he said.
However, Ajeigbe accused state governors of publicly endorsing the ruling while secretly opposing it.
He referenced past actions by state governors, including the rejection of constitutional amendments by state Houses of Assemblies that would have granted full autonomy to local councils.
He pointed to a January 2023 report by The PUNCH newspaper that revealed how state governors exerted influence over the legislative process to block bills aimed at empowering local governments.
“Governors may claim to support financial autonomy for local councils, but their actions speak otherwise.
Their opposition has always been concealed behind empty rhetoric, and it is time for the people to see through this charade,” he stated.
The group also called on the National Assembly to take legislative action to transfer the responsibility of conducting local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ajeigbe emphasised that state governors’ control over SIECs allowed them to manipulate local elections and install loyalists, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“True democracy cannot thrive when local elections are subject to manipulation by state governments.
“This legislative initiative is critical to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots,” Ajeigbe said.
While highlighting the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in addressing the financial autonomy of local councils, Ajeigbe urged the president to accelerate efforts towards full restructuring, which he said would bolster governance across all tiers. He noted that restructuring would address other critical areas of governance, including ensuring the proper functioning of local governments.
“President Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to restructuring and empowering local governments. While he has noted that this process will be systematic, we believe the recent events in Kwara State demonstrate that it must be expedited,” Ajeigbe added.
The group also expressed gratitude to the community and well-meaning individuals who have supported their cause.
Ajeigbe was quick to clarify that the group harbours no ill-will toward the Kwara State government or any member of the community, insisting that their demands were rooted in a desire for fairness and transparency in governance.
“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the men and women of goodwill who have stood by us in this fight for true local government autonomy.
“We bear no malice towards the Kwara State government or any community. Our goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and effective governance at the grassroots level,” he said.
Ajeigbe reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring that local governments in Kwara State, and across Nigeria, are given the financial and administrative independence necessary to meet the needs of the people.
“The autonomy of local governments is not just a political issue; it is essential to the proper functioning of our democracy and the development of our communities,” Ajeigbe concluded.
The statement comes in the wake of increasing calls for local government reforms across Nigeria, with many advocates hoping the recent Supreme Court ruling will pave the way for a more accountable and transparent governance structure at the grassroots level.
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