Abdulrahman Maina-Yaji, former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has praised the recent Supreme Court judgment that grants autonomy to local governments, stating it will significantly address poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
In an interview with Pathwaynews in Maiduguri, Maina-Yaji lauded all who contributed to this landmark judgment, emphasizing its importance in promoting good governance and enhancing democracy.
Maina-Yaji, who is now the Mutawalli of Michika and Kakaki of Mubi Emirate of Adamawa, described the judgment as a major relief for many Nigerians. “President Bola Tinubu, as an experienced administrator who understands the vital position of local governments as the third tier of government closer to the people, deserves commendation for actualizing this dream. To us as stakeholders in local government, it is the judgment of the millennium; it signifies the return of life to the third tier of government.”
He recalled that NULGE had long pointed out that growing poverty and insecurity at the grassroots were exacerbated by the lack of local government autonomy, with chairmen remaining helpless due to poor funding. He urged stakeholders to ensure strict enforcement of the judgment and to prevent any governor from exploiting council funds through their cronies.
“I want to draw the attention of elected chairmen not to be tempted by any governor to use another means to siphon money. As veterans of local governments, we will mobilize council workers and other stakeholders to ensure that apart from statutory deductions, any chairman that gives out money to the state will be petitioned to the EFCC. We will not allow this judgment to be frustrated by anyone and will put all necessary mechanisms in place to ensure its full implementation for maximum results.”
Many council workers also praised the judgment and called for an urgent constitutional amendment to abolish State Independent Electoral Commissions. They argued that these commissions reduce elections to one-party affairs, with the ruling party winning all positions, thus undermining free and fair elections essential for democracy.
Buba Yero, a local government staff member, stated, “Let the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) handle all elections as it is more credible. We saw how President Tinubu lost Lagos and how former President Buhari lost Katsina in the last election as proof of INEC’s credibility. Such outcomes never happen under state independent election commissions, as seen in many elections they handled.”
