Okoi Obono-Obla, a former aide to the presidency, has urged the Nigerian Senate to reject a bill proposed by Senator Sani Musa from Niger State, which aims to create a National Local Government Independent Electoral Commission.
This call comes as preparations are underway for local council elections nationwide, following recent endorsements from the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued from Calabar, Obono-Obla criticized the notion of federalizing local government elections, asserting that local governments, as independent entities, should have the autonomy to manage their electoral processes.
He stated, “Local governments are recognized as a separate tier of government, recently affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Attorney-General of the Federation versus 36 Governors. It’s puzzling to understand why Senator Musa feels the need to establish a commission to oversee local elections when these governments should operate independently.”
Obono-Obla further expressed concern over the federal government’s capacity, arguing that it is already overwhelmed with numerous responsibilities. He questioned the logic of adding the management of local elections across 774 local government areas to its duties.
He suggested that if state assemblies cannot fulfill their fundamental role of enacting progressive legislation for the welfare and governance of their states, they should be dissolved.
“If local governments cannot self-regulate effectively, then their existence is questionable,” he remarked.
The lawyer and activist advocated for the retention of electoral authority with the State Electoral Commissions, while emphasizing the need for these bodies to be independent and free from gubernatorial influence.
He urged State Houses of Assembly to break free from the suffocating grip of authoritarian governors, calling for a revitalization of their legislative functions.
Obono-Obla concluded by warning against any attempts to centralize local government administration under the federal system.
