Scrap Local Governments, Hand Power to Traditional Rulers, Nigerians Urge Govt
Scrap Local Governments and empower traditional rulers: the national debate intensifies as Nigerians question grassroots autonomy and Supreme Court rulings.
More than one year after Nigeria’s 774 local councils obtained what many described as a historic judgment in their favour, state governors are yet to let go of control.
In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling affirming local government autonomy in Nigeria, declaring that councils are financially and administratively independent, and that any interference by state governments was unconstitutional.
The judgment barred governors from dissolving elected councils, imposing caretaker committees, withholding federal allocations meant for councils, or managing local government accounts.
However, PulseNets gathered that the full execution of that ruling has remained elusive, fueling louder calls for the abolition of the local government system altogether.
Adamu Garba: Scrap Local Governments, Empower Traditional Rulers
Former APC presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba, recently reignited the debate when he called for the scrapping of Nigeria’s local government system.
Garba, in a position obtained by PulseNets, argued that governors use councils as a “cash-out channel,” insisting that power should be shifted to traditional rulers instead.
He stated:
“Local governments are nothing but ATMs for governors. Whether autonomous or not, they remain a tool for looting. In reality, there is no other country that runs a third tier of government like Nigeria. Since it has proven unworkable, why not scrap it?
“Instead of begging for constitutional authority for traditional rulers, hand them the local government councils. Let them run affairs according to the people’s culture and tradition. All entitlements for councils should be directed to traditional rulers just like the Native Authority system we once had, which was very effective.”
Action Alliance: Scrap SIEC, Not Local Governments
But in sharp contrast, the National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Kenneth Udeze, told PulseNets that local governments are crucial for grassroots governance and should not be scrapped.
He explained:
“I totally disagree with those calling for scrapping councils. The problem in Nigeria is bad leadership, not the local government system. Where things work properly, local governments are vital in delivering democracy’s dividends at the grassroots.
“The Supreme Court has already ruled that allocations must go directly to councils. Politicians and administrators should simply respect that. Instead of abolishing LGs, we should abolish the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC) and allow INEC, the only credible electoral body, to conduct local government elections. That way, leaders will be truly elected and accountable.”
Udeze further told PulseNets that local governments receive huge allocations—citing an instance where a council reportedly obtained over ₦400 million in one month—but citizens hardly see any impact because governors still control the funds through joint accounts.
Lawyer: Scrapping LGs Not in National Interest
Speaking to PulseNets, activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam insisted that abolishing local governments would harm Nigeria’s democratic structure.
He said:
“The call to scrap local governments is self-serving and benefits only a few individuals. Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution is clear; it created local councils to bring government closer to the people and made them autonomous.
“The Supreme Court ruling in AGF vs AG of the 36 States in June 2024 cemented this autonomy. Replacing councils with traditional rulers appointed by state governors defeats the purpose and will only tighten governors’ grip on the people.”
Idam stressed that the real demand should be for transparent and credible local government elections, not abolition.
“Reforms are what Nigerians need. If elections are credible and not controlled by governors, council chairmen will emerge free from interference. That will strengthen the system rather than destroy it.”
Why the Judgment Remains Unexecuted
Despite the clear directives of the apex court, PulseNets learnt that the ruling has yet to be fully implemented nationwide.
Idam expressed concern, noting:
“The judgment of the Supreme Court is supreme, binding, and absolute. No party is above compliance. It is shocking that it has not been enforced. The law commands obedience, and no governor should walk free after violating it.”
One year after the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on local government autonomy in Nigeria, the councils remain in chains, with state governors holding sway over their finances and administration.
Also Read: Appeal Court Nullifies Judgment Seeking to Seize Rivers State Allocation
While Adamu Garba campaigns for their abolition and transfer of power to traditional rulers, voices like Kenneth Udeze and Maduabuchi Idam insist that Nigeria must instead strengthen councils through transparent elections, respect for constitutional provisions, and strict enforcement of the apex court’s ruling.
The debate continues, but for many Nigerians at the grassroots, the big question remains unanswered: When will local governments truly be free?
