RMAFC Backs FG on Full Autonomy for Local Governments
The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has backed the Federal Government in its ongoing efforts to free Local Government Councils from the firm control of State Governments through legal means by giving effect to the provisions of the Constitution.
A statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, RMAFC, Maryam Umar Yusuf onbehalf of the Mr. Mohammed Shehu, says Local Government Councils (LGCs) as the third tier of government domesticated at the grassroots level ought to be outside the control of State and Federal governments as they are solely established to ensure effective governance at the grassroot.
He said the Constitution of Nigeria recognizes federal, states, and local governments as three tiers of government and that the three recognized tiers of government draw funds for their operation and function from the Federation Account created by the Constitution
Mr. Shehu decried State governments’ dominance over the affairs of LGCs which emasculate their political, administrative and fiscal independence hence their inability to provide quality service delivery in the area of infrastructure and social services to the grassroot as provided for in the Constitution.
He noted that the political control of LGCs has made it virtually difficult and almost impossible for the masses to decide who becomes their leaders at that level of governance, which is closest to the people.
The statement added that the Commission is of the opinion that giving full autonomy to LGCs will reduce the rate of poverty and rural urban migration, and bring more dividends of democracy to the people just as it will attract more qualified candidates for council elections that will improve governance system at all levels in the long run.
“Full autonomy will engender good governance, transparency and accountability at the local level. Security challenges like banditry, kidnappings, terrorism, electoral violence, etc, would be reduced to the barest minimum if the quantum of funds meant for local governments is channeled towards rural development.”
He added. “This will raise agricultural productivity, increase income generation, arrest rural-urban migration, create wealth and generally improve the socio-economic living conditions of the rural populace”.
