George Chukwuka :
In recent months, the issue of local government financial autonomy in Nigeria has continued to stir debate across different levels of governance. At the forefront of this conversation is Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, who has taken significant steps to challenge attempts by state governments to circumvent the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy.
During a session on the Senate floor, Senator Nwoye moved a motion that directly addressed the increasing trend by state governments, particularly referencing Anambra State, to sidestep the Supreme Court’s judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments. This judgment, which is meant to guarantee fiscal independence for local governments across the country, is seen as a vital element in the broader framework of decentralization and strengthening grassroots governance in Nigeria.
In his motion, Nwoye argued that state governments, by holding back or manipulating local government funds, undermine not only the ability of local councils to function but also the spirit of federalism which Nigeria’s constitution seeks to promote. He stressed that the refusal to release local government allocations in full, as ruled by the Supreme Court, was unconstitutional and a blatant disregard for the law. His motion was widely supported by his colleagues in the Senate, reflecting a growing concern about this systemic issue.
The support from other Senators signals a collective recognition of the importance of local government autonomy in improving service delivery, development, and governance at the grassroots level. This motion serves as a call to action for the federal government to enforce the court’s ruling and ensure compliance from state governments.
Following his successful motion on the Senate floor, Senator Tony Nwoye made a public appearance on Channels TV’s popular political program, “Politics Today,” to shed more light on his position and the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the host, Nwoye expressed deep concern over how certain state governments were deliberately bypassing the Supreme Court’s directive. He emphasized that such actions not only cripple local governance but also erode trust in the democratic process.
Nwoye’s appearance on “Politics Today” provided him with an opportunity to explain in detail how state governments are allegedly circumventing the law. He argued that despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some states continue to exercise control over local government funds through indirect mechanisms. This often includes withholding certain allocations, redirecting funds, or subjecting local councils to state control under the guise of joint accounts.
The Senator stressed that without financial autonomy, local governments would remain ineffective, unable to perform their constitutional duties, and powerless to address the developmental needs of their communities. He reiterated that Anambra, a state which has been praised for strides in governance, should not be at the forefront of disobeying such a crucial judgment.
Senator Tony Nwoye’s actions have reignited a national conversation on local government autonomy. His bold stance in the Senate, followed by his detailed discussion on Channels TV, has drawn significant attention to the gap between the judicial directive and state implementation. The support from his Senate colleagues highlights that this issue is not unique to Anambra but affects local governments nationwide, many of which are struggling due to lack of funds and operational independence.
As the conversation continues, it will be crucial to see how state governments respond to this growing pressure, and whether the federal government will take additional steps to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling. Nwoye’s push for accountability in Anambra State may serve as a blueprint for ensuring that local governments across Nigeria enjoy the financial autonomy guaranteed by law.
Finally, Senator Tony Nwoye’s motion on the Senate floor and his follow-up on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” reflect a commitment to safeguarding the financial independence of local governments. His advocacy is a critical step in addressing the longstanding issue of state interference in local governance and ensuring that democracy thrives at all levels of government in Nigeria.