Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has renewed the call for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of their roles in ensuring community harmony, security, and national unity. According to the governor, giving legal backing to traditional institutions will not only strengthen the authority of these rulers but also enhance their capacity to perform their duties effectively in various communities across the country. Governor Uzodinma highlighted that the call for constitutional inclusion is not a matter of privilege but an essential necessity. He explained that traditional leaders have long been instrumental in maintaining peace, promoting cultural values, resolving disputes, and complementing government efforts at the grassroots level. Their contribution, he noted, has been crucial to the stability and unity of many local communities, which makes their formal recognition imperative. Speaking further, Uzodinma noted that traditional rulers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the government and the people, especially in rural areas where their influence remains deeply rooted. He expressed confidence that their inclusion in the Nigerian Constitution would empower them with clearer responsibilities and legal authority to participate in governance and security matters within their jurisdictions. The governor also appealed to the National Assembly and relevant constitutional review committees to consider the long-standing request for this recognition. According to him, many of the challenges facing local communities — such as insecurity, social unrest, and communal conflicts — could be better managed if traditional rulers are officially assigned constitutional responsibilities and supported by law. Uzodinma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding traditional institutions in Imo State, describing them as the custodians of culture and agents of unity. He stressed that empowering traditional rulers constitutionally would promote cooperation between local authorities and the state government, leading to a more stable and inclusive governance system.
The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that by the end of January, all local government areas (LGAs) nationwide will begin receiving their federal allocations directly from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC). This move is aimed at strengthening local government autonomy and ensuring financial transparency. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, disclosed this during an interview on Arise News on Thursday night. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s landmark July 2024 judgment, which declared state control over local government funds unconstitutional. Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy In July 2024, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Emmanuel Agbim, ruled that federal allocations to LGAs should be paid either directly or through state governments. However, due to inefficiencies in the latter method, the court mandated direct payments to local councils. This decision followed a legal suit filed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), advocating for the financial independence of Nigeria’s 774 local governments. Although implementation faced initial delays to establish proper mechanisms, the Presidency has now confirmed that everything is in place for the rollout. Increased Revenue for Local Governments Sunday Dare provided a practical example of how this change will impact local councils. He quoted a local government chairman who said, “I will be getting N2.9 billion directly instead of the N200 million I used to receive.” This highlights the significant financial boost local governments will experience under the new system. Starting at the end of January, these funds will flow directly to LGAs, marking a new era of financial autonomy and accountability for grassroots governance. The Call for Financial Accountability Dare also raised concerns about the financial management of both state and local governments. He noted that some states have received record-breaking allocations yet lack visible developmental achievements. For example, he revealed, “One state collected N499 billion last year—nearly four times its previous allocation—but there’s little to show for it.” He urged citizens and watchdog organizations to scrutinize how resources are utilized at all levels of government. “The framers of our constitution created the three tiers of government for a reason. It’s time to hold states and local governments accountable,” Dare stated. Implications for Governance and Development This policy shift aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goal of decentralizing power and improving governance at the grassroots level. With direct federal allocations, local governments are better positioned to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
