Federal Government's Push for Local Government Autonomy: Bala Mohammed's Perspective
By Wisdom Tide
October 26, 2024
The federal government recently secured a Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. In response to this decision, Bala Mohammed, a prominent figure in Nigerian governance, shared his perspective on the limitations placed on state governors, particularly under President Tinubu's administration.
Governors' Diminished Power Compared to the Presidency
In an interview with Daily Trust, Bala Mohammed emphasized that the role of a state governor is often misperceived as highly powerful. "Governors are chief executives in their states," he noted, "but our powers have been reduced significantly by President Tinubu." Mohammed highlighted that unlike past administrations, governors today are less able to exert influence on the presidency or make impactful decisions for their states due to financial and administrative constraints.
The Inconsistencies in Federal Expectations
Reflecting on his own experience, Mohammed drew a comparison between President Tinubu's tenure as Lagos State governor and his current approach to local government autonomy. "When Tinubu was governor, he created local governments and exercised complete control over them," Mohammed stated. "Now, he expects us to avoid any interference or collaboration with local governments. How is that possible?" Mohammed pointed out the practical challenges this presents, arguing that states must coordinate efforts with both local governments and the federal government to effectively address security and governance needs.
Financial Limitations and Dependency on Federal Resources
Mohammed expressed frustration over the financial constraints faced by state governments due to federal control over the nation's resources. "People overestimate the power of governors," he asserted. "The federal government takes the largest share of resources and uses them at its discretion while we remain largely silent." He criticized the federal argument that increased funding to states would cause inflation, pointing to what he saw as the federal government’s tendency to prioritize unnecessary projects over essential infrastructure like railways.
Governing Challenges in Resource-Limited States
Bala Mohammed concluded by highlighting the realities and challenges faced by state governors, especially in states with limited economic bases. "Being a governor is more about facing challenges than wielding power," he explained. "Resources are limited, and all eyes are on you to provide solutions, particularly in smaller states like ours, which lack a manufacturing sector." He urged for mutual respect between state and federal leaders, adding, "We respect the president, but he should also respect us and refrain from any form of blackmail."
Through his statements, Bala Mohammed presents a candid view of the challenges state governors face under federal policies, especially in terms of resource allocation and governance autonomy. His reflections underscore a call for better federal-state cooperation to ensure security and effective governance at all levels.
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