By Jibrin Samuel Okutepa
When Nigerian leaders are ready to obey the law of the land, the constitution and then doing what is right, it is then Nigeria will develop, and Nigerians will enjoy the benefits of the natural resources given to us by God.
Today, the 11th day of July 2024, the Nigerian Supreme Court delivered judgment in which it granted financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria. By this judgment, money meant for the local governments is to be paid directly to these local governments from the Federation Account.
Governors are restrained from interfering with the funds meant for the local governments. Before now, local government funds have always been and invariably held by the state governors, and some shared the money of local governments anyhow they like. Kudos to the Federal Government and the Hon Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. That is how it should be.
But I have my fears. Will our leaders respect the orders of the Supreme Court? The propensities of those in power circumventing law and orders and even court judgements without the dare consequences is in point here. What remedies do we have against Governors who may be forcing the chairmen of the Local Governments to part with the money of the Local Governments to them?
Today, the State Houses of Assembly who ought to act as checks and balances against the excess of the governors and or on the governors have been pocketed by these same governors and political leaders who see politics as money making ventures in Nigeria. Very many Local Government chairmen are political stooges of the governors. Many are appendages of the state governors who handpicked them.
Like I have always emphasized, there is no democracy or democratic system in our country. Being independent minded is not an advantage in the Nigerian political landscape. That is why sycophantic praise singing and eye services have overcome our political loyalty in the Nigerian democratic journey. Loyalty is not to Nigerian state.
So, my main fear is who is to enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court in the years to come. Will successive governments be prepared to respect the Supreme Court judgment? Are we not in Nigeria, where we find political solutions to breach the Nigerian constitution? We need to do more to give effect to this judgment than the pronouncements made by their lordships. Nigerian leaders need to show respect and obedience to our institutions, including the constitution, if we hope to grow and develop like civilised societies of the world.
