Local governments are meant to be the closest arm of government to the people. They are designed to bring governance to the grassroots, meet the basic needs of the people and serve as a channel for participatory democracy. In Nigeria, local governments are established under the constitution and are expected to function autonomously.
However, this has not been the case in recent times, in the Pace setter state, Oyo state known for many firsts, where the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde is strangulating local governments and its administrations. This is saddening and fearful.
The administration of Engr Seyi Makinde has failed to fund local governments in Oyo state, resulting in the inability of these councils to carry out their statutory responsibilities. One wonders where the funding originally allocated to local governments are diverted to? It’s a question begging for answer, but your guess is as good as mine.
Local governments are responsible for the provision of primary healthcare, primary education, community link roads, and other basic amenities. However, due to the diversion and clipping of funds, these responsibilities have been left unattended, resulting in a decline in the standard of living of the people at the grassroots. Unfortunately, Engr Makinde finds comfort in the people’s pain.
Furthermore, the PDP administration of Engr Seyi Makinde in Oyo State has failed to sign the local government autonomy bill, which he promised to do during his campaign in 2018/19. This bill seeks to grant local governments more powers and financial autonomy, making them less dependent on the state government.
More embarrassingly, Gov Makinde boasted during a Oyo Gubernatorial Candidates debate held inside University of Ibadan that he will not sign the bill, speaking directly to people that he will not grant them ease and succour they seek, and he feels so much pride in it. The failure to sign this bill is a clear indication that his administration is not interested in allowing local governments to function autonomously, as well as indication that he is only interested on diverting the funds for private use and purposes.
It is worth noting that the strangulation of local governments in Oyo state is sad and unfortunate, being relegated to the background, with state governments assuming most of their responsibilities. This trend is antithetical to the principles of democracy and good governance, as it denies people at the grassroots the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.
As Oyo state citizens go to poll in days, it is sacrosanct to prioritise issues that are germane and important. A queue behind someone that has boasted not to make the most important arm of Government work, the most critically essential and closest arm of government not serve its purpose and the people is most definitely a wasted vote. The choice is ours.
