The Renewed Kaduna Restoration Group (RKRG), a non-partisan association advocating for democracy and good governance, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to leverage his constitutional powers to protect the autonomy of local government councils from the overreach of state governors. In an open letter, the group emphasized that the Presidency can remedy these issues without needing constitutional amendments or Supreme Court interventions.
In an issued open letter yesterday, signed by Chairman of RKRG, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan and the group’s Secretary, Yahaya Ibrahim Shinko, which was copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation and other key presidential advisers, the? RKRG highlighted that state governors have been infringing upon the constitutional autonomy of local government councils, often dissolving elected councils or appointing caretaker committees in their place.
This practice, they argue, violates Section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees democratically elected local government councils, and Section 287 (1), which mandates the enforcement of Supreme Court decisions.
The letter asserts that the establishment, finances, and functions of the 768 local government councils are well-defined under various sections of the Constitution and the Financial Memoranda for Local Government, a federal law managed by the Presidency. Therefore, local governments should operate independently, manage their finances, and fulfill their responsibilities without undue state interference.
The RKRG recommended that the Presidency modify the Financial Memoranda for Local Government to remove any provisions that currently allow State governments to enact their local government administration laws. This change, it said, would ensure that all local governments operate uniformly under federal guidelines.
The group also urged the National Assembly to amend the allocation of revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act to provide stricter terms for the operation of the State Joint Local Government Account, ensuring that funds are disbursed to local governments promptly and transparently.
The RKRG further called for empowering the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal to enforce Constitutional compliance by state governors, including investigating and punishing those who breach Constitutional provisions regarding local government autonomy.
The letter concludes by stressing the importance of proper coordination and synergy between federal ministries, departments, and agencies to implement these constitutional provisions effectively. This action, they emphasised, will safeguard the autonomy of local government councils and ensure better governance at the grassroots level.
