A coalition of civil society organizations has called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to hands off issues relating to Alimosho Local Government Area.
The groups, including Human Rights Monitoring Agenda and Campaign Against Impunity, made this demand during a press briefing in Akoka.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, HURMA Executive Director, Isiak Buna, called on the Assembly to allow lawmakers in Alimosho Local Government to deal with issues relating to their council.
The CSOs emphasized that local governments are independent tiers of government, as enshrined in the constitution and recently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.
They stressed that local government officials must be empowered to perform their duties without interference from higher levels of government, according to Nigerian Tribune.
According to the groups, the Lagos State House of Assembly’s actions pose a threat to the autonomy of Alimosho Local Government and other local governments in the state. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, and political leaders to ensure the full implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was commended for his swift intervention in affirming the separation of powers and independence of local government. The CSOs encouraged him to continue defending local government autonomy and engage with stakeholders to ensure its respect and upkeep.
The groups also cautioned the Lagos State House of Assembly against pursuing vested interests or settling scores, emphasizing the need to prioritize democracy and local governance. They urged the assembly to recognize local governments as autonomous entities vital to development, accountability, and service delivery.
This development highlights the ongoing debate on local government autonomy in Nigeria, with civil society groups advocating for greater independence and accountability at the local level. The Lagos State Government’s response to the Supreme Court’s ruling will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for other states.
Buna said: “Alimosho and all other local governments in the state are not appendages of the State Assembly. They are independent tiers of government enshrined in our constitution and recently authoritatively pronounced by Nigeria’s highest court.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as all governors and political leaders to ensure that the autonomy secured through the ruling of the Supreme Court is fully implemented.
“It is imperative that all local government officials are empowered to perform their duties effectively, free from undue interference and control from higher levels of government.
“Political leaders, particularly the leadership of state assemblies and the governors with vested interests, must recognise that local governments are not mere extensions of state authority, but rather autonomous entities vital to fostering development, enhancing accountability and improving service delivery to the citizens.
“We emphasise that respecting local government autonomy is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative that contributes to national cohesion and development as well as the enhancement of fiscal federalism that we have clamoured for for decades.
“As we navigate the complexities of governance, we urge all stakeholders to prioritise the principles of democracy and local governance. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to local government autonomy and ensure that the rights and responsibilities of these vital institutions are respected and upheld.”
Also speaking, Shina Loremikan of the Campaign Against Impunity, said the decisive action of Governor Sanwo-Olu in safeguarding the independence of local governance “is commendable and reflects a commitment to democratic principles and the well-being of the people of Lagos State.”
Loremikan said: “The attempted compromise of Alimosho’s autonomy posed a significant threat to the ability of local leaders to serve their constituents effectively.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s swift response has not only protected Alimosho but has also set a precedent for the protection of local governments across the length and breadth of Nigeria, which we urge other state governors to emulate.
“We implore Governor Sanwo-Olu to continue his efforts at defending and promoting the hard-earned autonomy of local governments throughout the state.
“It is essential to create an environment where local authorities can operate freely and make decisions that directly benefit their communities. This commitment will empower local leaders and enhance service delivery, ultimately improving the quality of life for all residents.
“As an organisation dedicated to promoting good governance, we call upon the governor to engage with stakeholders at all levels to ensure that local government autonomy is respected and upheld. By doing so, we can work together to build a stronger, more accountable local government system that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities.
“Once again, we express our gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his leadership and commitment to local governance. We look forward to his continued support in protecting the rights and responsibilities of local governments in Lagos State.
“We also call on the Speaker and the entire members of the Lagos Sate House of Assembly to purge themselves of arrogance and give peace a chance. They were elected to serve people but not to pursue vested interest or settle scores. Therefore, the unnecessary threat they pose to democracy, good governance and independence of local government must come under control before it consumes the nation.”
