AGF Calls for Abolition of State Electoral Bodies to Free Local Governments from Political Bondage

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has advocated for the dissolution of state Independent Electoral Commissions (INECs) to enhance the autonomy of local government councils in Nigeria.

Fagbemi made this call on Monday at the National Discourse on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Level, held in Abuja. He criticized the arbitrary dissolution and manipulation of local governments by state governments despite constitutional safeguards meant to ensure their autonomy.

He pointed out that the constitutional provisions under Section 162 (5-8) regarding the State Joint Local Government Account have been exploited by state assemblies to control local government revenues. This, Fagbemi argued, has led to widespread state encroachment on local finances since 1999.

“The financial autonomy of local governments is undermined by the abuse of the Joint Account by different state governments, resulting in their inability to deliver on their statutory responsibilities,” Fagbemi said. He added that the local governments are often reduced to mere appendages of the state governments due to these financial manipulations.

Fagbemi highlighted that the 1999 Constitution fails to provide sufficient political autonomy for local governments. This inadequacy allows state governments to dictate the nature and direction of local government elections and political activities, further eroding local governance.

“The imposition of local government chairmen by state governors results in a lack of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance,” he said. He also noted that rampant corruption and the dependency of local governments on state governments have crippled their ability to function independently.

To address these challenges, Fagbemi recommended constitutional reforms to enhance the fiscal and administrative autonomy of local governments. These reforms should include measures to control corruption, ensure transparency, and involve citizens in local governance.

Fagbemi also suggested transferring the functions and powers of state electoral bodies to the national Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to eliminate the influence of state governors over local government elections.

“I commend the leadership of the House of Representatives for their bold initiative to reposition our governance structures, and I look forward to further engagements on this crucial issue with the National Assembly,” Fagbemi concluded.