From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Prof Obiajulu Obikeze has commended the supreme court over her ruling in favour of autonomy of LGAs.
Prof Obikeze said as a matter of fact that Nigerians have been waiting anxiously for the intervention which according to him would deepen democracy in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the Local Government System has remained not only moribund since 1999, but also in comatose, because their functions, powers and every other things about them were hijacked by the governors.
Prof Obikeze who is the traditional prime minister of Awa community in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, noted that the introduction of transitional Committee and caretaker committee by the governors are all ploy to destroy the local government system.
Obikeze, a Professor of Political Science however said that the issue of the LGAs’ autonomy is a constitutional matter which should involve the amendment of the constitution.
“Nigerians are happy for getting to this point, that the Supreme Court has restored the autonomy of the Local Government System in the Country, Nigerian Governors should be kind and benevolent enough to allow the Local Governments in Nigeria to operate optimally.
“The governors should make the system work by conducting free, fair and transparent Local Government elections through which credible persons can assume leadership in the council areas,” he said.
He observed that many governors in the existing arrangements have hijacked the resources meant for the local government areas there making it difficult for the grassroots.
The Professor of Political Science expressed the optimism that the full autonomy of the local government system will make the council chairmen to be accountable to their people.