Yoruba group says SC ruling destroys Awolowo’s legacy
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Some Senators have been holding series of meetings to ensure the 1999 Constitution is amended to guarantee two fundamental changes: Financial funding of Local Councils by the Federal Government and the conduct of Local Government elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC)
Leading the campaign are some Northern Senators led by Senator Sunday Karimi.
Sources told Irohinoodua that the Senators allign with the Presidency to ensure the 1999 Constitution is amended to reflect the new ruling of the Supreme Court which said Local Councils should receive their funds directly from the Federal Government.
This will completely leave the states weaker and at the mercy of the Federal Government.
Our correspondent learnt that the Fededal Government has launched an intensive lobby to co-op many lawmakers into the lobby network.
But there are genuine fears that taking away the right to conduct Local Government election from the States and Local Councils receiving funds directly from the Federal Government represent a grievous and unprecedented attack on the principles of Federalism
Though Local Council elections are believed to be generally rigged by State Governors, but some observers think taking electoral duty of States to the Federal authority is not the only option left in the attempt to stop electoral fraud during Local Government polls.
“What we need is electoral reforms at the State Electoral Commission, the reform that will ensure greater community and professional participation to guarantee free and fair election” General Secretary, Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM) Mr Popoola Ajayi said in a chat with Irohinoodua. He said the two decisions negate “all what the progressives in Nigeria have fought for since 1914.”
Ajayi said the emerging trend destroys the legacy of late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said he was appalled that the decisions were not discussed at the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) or even within the structures of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) raising fears that a cabal may exist in Nigeria that is playing to the dictates of unitary forces that are bent on enslaving Nigerians.
He said in the future, these decisions will be used by a future President to strangulate groups that are opposed to parochial interests.
He warned that INEC conduction local council elections will only strengthen the President of Nigeria to have absolute control over the country adding that such powers only lead to more crisis, rebellion and political instability given the plural nature of Nigeria.
He said the decision will make the late founding father’s of Nigeria cry in their graveyards.
“Instead of decentralisation of power,what we are seeing is an attempt to build a unitary system. This is the greatest threat to democracy since 1999,” Ajayi said.
Karimi who represents Kogi West Senatorial District said “We are continuing efforts to secure local government autonomy following recent Supreme Court rulings. The National Assembly plans to amend the constitution to support the court’s decisions, particularly regarding the autonomy and financial management of local councils. While some state governors may resist, I commend President Tinubu for supporting judicial independence in this matter.”
He said the Supreme Court’s decision, which grants autonomy to local governments and transfers electoral responsibilities from state bodies to INEC, represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s governance. This decision aims to address longstanding issues of fiscal federalism, ensuring greater autonomy and fiscal control for local councils nationwide.
He said “We believe these reforms are crucial for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic structure and ensuring fair governance at the grassroots level. President Tinubu’s support for judicial integrity is commendable, as it upholds constitutional rights and promotes a more equitable distribution of power across governmental tiers,” Senator Karimi concluded.