FORSTERING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE STATES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Indeed the Supreme Court Judgement on financial autonomy is a Judgement of good and bad.There is no doubt that,there are certain matters that this Judgement must promote for good.While there may be some matters that could result into other things negatively.What than remain is to strike a balance between these two entities for the growth,progress and development of not only of the Local Governments and of the States but the whole Nation.

It is a fact that,both entities need collaborations of each other in the areas of politics,economy and social activities more particularly the Local Government Councils.We all know that if not all the 774 Local Government Councils all belongs to the same Political Party with their States.We all know that these Local Governments have serious economic connections with their States.We all know that,they have serious connections socially.Therefore,what is important to do is for the States and Local Governments to have a common ground to facilitate their relationship cordially and not to allow this to tear them apart.They both need each other for the growth and development of their peoples.

It is on this premise that,the Anambra State approach can be refined to march the needs of individual Local Government/s across the States.Afterall we must learn from each other and copy from each other those activities that can be beneficial to all.Nobody or entity that can exists on its own,there is the need for team work and team cohesion which is the hallmark of governance.

I believe that there must be some financial and other commitments between States and their Local Governments which must have been in existence before this famous judgment.I believe these must be settled upon the dropping of the financial autonomy to Local Governments and the judgment is silent of these but only focus on what was brought before it.The question is how can these lingering issues be settled.This presupposes that,both entities must device smooth methods to settle these and for continous cordial relationship between the States and their Local Governments.Non of them can perform well without leaning on each other.They need each other in every aspect of their life.

I appeal to all the 36 Governors and the Minister of Federal Capital Abuja to jointly hold a meeting to iron out how they will handle this situation well for the interest of their peoples quickly.

May we be guided.
Lakpene Yusuf Bida,Esq.
Public Affairs Analyst
17th-10-2024.