Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has stressed the importance of enacting supportive laws to ensure genuine local government autonomy.
He made these remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano over the weekend while attending a constitutional review committee retreat.
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Ndume highlighted that various issues must be addressed to make local government autonomy a reality, reiterating his strong support for the initiative.
He reflected on his experiences from his school days when local governments were more empowered, recalling their role in constructing roads, providing electricity, and building primary schools.
He pointed out, however, that many local governments today struggle financially, stating, “If you say to them, go your independent ways, they wouldn’t be able to pay their staff, teachers, health workers, and others.”
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He cautioned against implementing “blank autonomy,” warning that some local governments in his state lack the financial capability to meet their salary obligations.
This necessity for financial support is where the idea of a joint account arises, allowing for the pooling of resources to assist struggling local governments.
During the constitutional review discussions, Ndume emphasized the need to make local governments practical, efficient, and viable.
On the subject of local government elections, Ndume advocated for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee these elections, arguing that INEC is currently underutilized.
He opposed the establishment of separate local government election commissions, expressing concern that such commissions would be ineffective, functioning only briefly before being inactive for long periods.
He stated, “If INEC can conduct presidential, National Assembly, state governor, and state assembly elections, why not local government elections as well?”
Ndume criticized the idea of creating new commissions for local elections, suggesting it would only complicate the electoral process further.
He urged lawmakers to focus on creating legislation that ensures votes count and embraces technology for more transparent elections, suggesting that innovations could allow citizens to vote via their phones and that INEC should utilize technology for election monitoring.
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He concluded by lamenting the current state of electoral processes in Nigeria, attributing the issues to a lack of sincerity, honesty, and integrity.
