Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has voiced his reservations following the recent Supreme Court decision endorsing direct monthly allocations to local governments from the federation account.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fayose underscored the persistent interference by state legislatures and governors in local government autonomy, despite the court’s ruling.
“You cannot take the baby from the mother,” Fayose remarked, highlighting the entrenched dependency of local government chairmen on governors for their positions. He pointed out that state assemblies and governors wield significant control over local government affairs, diminishing the practical autonomy envisioned by the court and federal government.
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Furthermore, Fayose criticized the lax work ethic among local government officials, alleging widespread absenteeism and inefficiency. He emphasized that attempts to hold officials accountable are often met with resistance, with union leaders and local government representatives rallying behind governors rather than enforcing governance standards.
The former governor’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions over the implementation of true local government autonomy in Nigeria, despite legal and governmental efforts to devolve power and resources directly to grassroots levels.
