Stats: 3,183,703 members, 7,921,515 topics. Date: Thursday, 15 August 2024 at 07:41 AM |
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board (16067 Views)
Buhari Lays ‘booby Traps’ For Incoming Government; By Punch Editorial Board / House Of Representatives’ Provocative Hijab Bill - Punch Editorial Board / Ochereome Nnanna's Tribalistic Facebook Posts (Chairman Vanguard Editorial Board (2) (3) (4)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (Reply) (Go Down)
Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by FreeStuffsNG: 3:59am On Jul 16 |
By Punch Editorial Board FEDERALISM is the imaginary bedrock of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, designed to balance power between the centre and the sub-nationals. However, the recent judgement by the Supreme Court concerning local government autonomy has raised critical questions about the integrity of this federalist structure. The judiciary should interpret the Constitution to reinforce decentralisation. https://punchng.com/supreme-court-got-it-wrong-on-lg-autonomy/ 65 Likes 3 Shares
|
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by FreeStuffsNG: 3:59am On Jul 16 |
The State and Local Government Joint Account was created because council bosses were looting funds and not paying primary school teachers. Since that account was created, primary school teachers are no longer owed salaries. Sadly, paying the monthly allocation directly to the councils would not stop the diversion of council funds. States should stop the illegal practice of dissolving elected councils and appointing caretaker committees. Local elections should be free, fair, and credible to ensure accountability. The two paragraphs above are part of the inconsistencies in the Punch Editorial. In one breadth it blamed the LGs for owing primary school teachers and claimed that the problem was solved with the State-LGAs joint account while in another breadth it admitted that there is the problem of illegal dissolution of democratically elected LGA administration and replacement with caretaker committees funded from the joint account. Soroniyen?🤷🏽♂️ Another inconsistency is boxing federalism into a certain mould as if the financial independence of LGAs suddenly strips away the operation of true federalism. India and Brazil are bad examples because of their caste system against certain people and religions in their countries. The central government of Brazil is taking over indigenous lands by fiat while India's democracy doesn't pretend that it's a government of the Hindus by the Hindus for the Hindus so much that the central government can demolish Mosques and build Hindu temple to replace the Mosques. Which kind of federalism gives central government the authority to impose religion on a LG? That's no federalism and bad of the Punch to cite both Brazil and India. The Supreme Court is in order by insisting that the LGAs democratically elected leaders can never be effective unless they enjoy financial autonomy. The constitution never denied or affirmed the LGAs financial autonomy so the SC is not wrong by recognizing that the same independence the federating States could exercise is because of their financial autonomy and same privilege should be extended to LGAs. Primary School teachers were equally indicted too when it was discovered that many of them were always absent from work and many barely qualified to teach. Punch was silent on that. However, that's the problem of TRCN that should ensure that only professional teachers in its national register are recruited , it's not entirely the fault of the LGAs. If the payment of primary school teachers will be a problem then their salaries should be deducted from source so that no LG executive will tamper with their salaries. The rest should be monitored by EFCC and NFIU. If possible build special courts to quickly prosecute and severely punish any corrupt LG official and/or traditional institution Head. That state-LG joint account arrangement is nothing more than a piggy bank for some state Governors and that's the weapon they use to remove democratically elected LG executives and even strip the traditional institutions of funds and render them impotent ,so much that insecurity has taken over at the local level while some Community Heads and royal authorities are at the mercy of rich bandits, cultists and criminals who can easily buy their loyalty by placing them on their payroll with the illicit funds from their crimes. In Edo state, there's already complaint by the Gov that the Oba is using cultists to collect ishakole to run its operation when it should be funded by the LGAs and not hiring alleged cultists he is now blaming for the insecurity in Benin. May God bless Nigeria for ever! Check my signature for free stuffs! 163 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Villagesquare: 4:11am On Jul 16 |
I have been saying this and nobody cares to listen. What we need now is a true fiscal Federal System or even a restructured Federal System. Decentralized power is highly needed now 22 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by DatNiggaDaz: 4:15am On Jul 16 |
Agbado lawyers from the land of emilokans have destroyed what buhari left to be destroyed. To know that the Minister of justice & the chief judge of the supreme court don't know what federalism means tells you a lot about the much talked about sophisticatiion of these rascals. ![]() Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) When you hear them shouting sophisticatiion, you will think intelligence comes with it. But what is means is to go tribal ronu, nepotistic & bigoted when it involves other ethnic Nigerians. ![]() The politicians from that place are the worst set of politicians in the whole world. Anything that has already been destroyed, they destroy even further. Political power is not meant for these Set of fraudsters because corruption, tribalism greed, bigotry & nepotism will is always taken to a whole New heigth like what we are experiencing from the most sophisticated failure to come out of that region. When they mistakenly grab power, you will notice that everything start to fall like a torn Pack of cards. They use rascality, threats, corruption, thugs, agberos as avenue to get what ever they like. Thesame thing happened in the 60ties with operation wetie ![]() They are only good in praise singing incompetent clueless failures from back to back. ![]() ![]() 16 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kenochi(m): 4:17am On Jul 16 |
This punch editorial is saying a lot of things but not making sense In one word,you condemn the Governors for dissolving democratically elected local government councils and in another breadth you say that council chairmen are irresponsible because they don't pay primary school teachers The same article says that there are only two federating units but in another breadth,it says in the Nigerian Constitution it mentions and lists three federating units This same article talks about America and Brazil,is there any rule that says that any country can't determine what structure of government would work for it Is it not in this same country that Governors loot their states blind,should we now say that because Governors are corrupt,we should scarp states and bring back regions instead Please this article is just playing to the gallery,and I don't blame them In our 24 years of Democratic experience,we have seen our LGAs become a place used by Governors to settle their political touts and aides The LGAs if truly functional is supposed to a place where future leaders are spotted,it creates avenues for councillors to be elected,the circle of political leadership starts from the bottom Who says an LGA Chairman can't raise to be become the president if he performs well Finally,all this talk of corruption must stop,LGA Chairpersons don't have immunity and any chairman that transfers his monthly allocations to the state would have himself to blame What needs to be done is for the Govt., and the media to start sensitizing the public on the role of the LGAs If all organs of Govt. are functioning,it will reduce the pressure on the Federal Government 95 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by opalu: 4:32am On Jul 16 |
Imported Federalism and Imported Democracy can never work in Nigeria. We have to use what works for us. If having three Tiers of Government is what works for us, so be it. Punch should stop bring Indian style into Nigerian system. When LGs were receiving direct allocations, we saw how wealth was circulating at the grassroots. Because out of 774 Chairmen, atleast if we have 300 good people, Suffering at the grassroots won't be like this. Then EFCC can chase the rest. No immunity for them. But Governors with immunity can use LGA funds to buy Dubai houses and immunity would shield them 39 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kobojunkie: 4:45am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG:OP, the statements above in red are bogus! 1. Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. Generally, an overarching national government is responsible for broader governance of larger territorial areas, while the smaller subdivisions, states, and cities govern the issues of local concern.Note the writeup from Cornel University insists that a Federalism system is one controlled by two levels of government— not one that has only three tiers of government. In the United States, the Constitution recognizes the existence of The Federal, State, cities/counties/municipalities — sort of like what you have in Nigeria. ![]() 2. The 1999 Constitution is correct as it clearly states that control in Nigeria is managed at just 2 out of the 3 tiers of Government — the National and State levels. Yes, control over even the LGs is managed at the national level by the National House of Assembly and the state level by the State House of Assembly. That is revealed in Section 162 subsections 4,5,6,7, and 8.. 3. The account is merely called "State Joint Local Government Account". It is maintained(kept alive) by the state. However, it was not set up to be accessed and dipped into by the State Government. The Constitution stipulates instead that Governors were to deposit the portion of State IGR meant for all the LGs into the account — no authority given to State Government to extract or withdraw any amount from that account. ![]() It is important to also note that Section 162 subsections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are not later additions/amendments to the Constitution. ![]() 5 Likes 2 Shares
|
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kobojunkie: 4:52am On Jul 16 |
opalu:It isn't the immunity to blame for Governors running wild. Rather the people not calling for their immediate impeachment, arrest and prosecution for crimes committed is. They clearly violated the Constitution when they overstepped their bounds, taking control over the LGs and Funds meant only for the LGs. It is up to the people to call for their impeachment and it can happen. But the people of Nigeria refuse to engage their own government for reasons best known to them. ![]() 5 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kwaramustgoodag: 4:58am On Jul 16 |
I just love punch editorial. No bias in them. 3 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by FreeStuffsNG: 5:00am On Jul 16 |
Kobojunkie:Thanks for sharing and going through the view confirm that it is the definition of federalism drawn from the US experience and its history where the sovereign was formed by the federating units. At the signing, only the Heads of the states were represented because the counties/ LGs had given their rights to be exercised by their State Heads. In Nigeria, not even at Independence were the states represented so we had no state uniting to form Nigeria. We had regions so if we were to go by the American definition of federalism, we should have the regions not states so it is the states that should now be the equivalent of the LGs. Also, as at 1999 constitution, we already had a strong LGA system so they can not be ignored like those of US. This is the significant historical difference between our own federalism and that of US that the Punch is ignoring and you can't fault an American university by drawing its definition from the American history. It's like comparing democracy in US with that of UK. What UK operates is still largely monarchy through the powerful unelected House of Lords yet the UK pretends to be among countries practicing democracy. The Nigerian constitution never intends that the State-LGAs joint account should be controlled by Governors. In fact, the Legislature should have more oversight but some Governors have cornered all the powers and made a mess of the separation of powers. That's why the Governors lost at the SC. I don't see a single part of the Constitution where a Governor derived the power to collect and now distribute. They (both state and LGAs) should collect together and share together but in reality, it is the Governors, who collect and who share. 64 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kobojunkie: 5:09am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG:The 1999 Constitution established Nigeria as a democratic Federation. The design and structure of that Federation which is only about 25 years old is what we are talking about when we talk of Nigeria today. ![]() 2. What in the world does this matter to this discussion for Pete's sake? Nigeria is a Federalist system, case closed! ![]() 1 Like |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Bobloco: 5:12am On Jul 16 |
"Rather than chasing shadows at the Supreme Court, the Bola Tinubu Administration should focus on the political and economic restructuring of the country along the lines of true federalism. Federalism, as envisioned by the founding fathers, was intended to balance power between the central government and the constituent units, ensuring efficient governance, fostering development, and accommodating the country’s vast ethnic, cultural, and regional diversity." 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kobojunkie: 5:19am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG:So we agree that the Supreme Court ruling was in violation of true federalism as defined in the Constitution? OK! ![]() 2. Glad you pointed out that the actions of the Governors in trying to usurp power and control over the LGs are illegal. ![]() 2 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by FreeStuffsNG: 5:20am On Jul 16 |
Kobojunkie:It matters because of sociological perspectives which now defines the definition of federalism on the account of their history. If our democracy had come before their own, perhaps the definition of federalism will be 3 tiers of constituents and we may now be questioning their own with 2 tiers. This is social science so there's nothing absolute. I can argue that we are not even Federalist if we are to adopt the American definition of federalism. It's either federalism or not Federalism. We are a democracy with 3 tier constituents, whatever word that defines that is what we practice. 62 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kobojunkie: 5:26am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG:That is bullsheet and you know it. ![]() 2. No you cannot since these things are not based on your private delusions but on established ideas and structures. Stop rambling abeg! ![]() 1 Like |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by lionshare: 5:34am On Jul 16 |
Seems the editorial board does not know nothing is static in life. Yes it’s true a federal system should’ve two federating units but nothing is cast in stone. If we can have Nigerian jollof why can’t we have our own version of federalism as long as it delivers value to the masses. Besides we can work around ensuring payments of salary to all accredited staff as first line charge prior to any other expense. We must continually tinker with the systems to find what’s most ideal for our people. Lastly, they’ve offered no solution to the governors sipping the financial juice of the joint account. What’s we need to do now is more sensitization of the local communities to understand that their role in ensuring that LGA leaders are accountable. 11 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Maxymilliano(m): 5:34am On Jul 16 |
Maxymilliano: ![]() |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by JomoGbomo2(m): 5:36am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG: This Punch Editorial is the worst Political Job ever, since when did Journalists/editors start interpreting our constitution for us a Nation. It’s so obvious a governor or former governor is behind this Op-ed disguised as Constitutional interpretation by a group of journalists. This whole editorial is arguing for Federalism (which is not bad) instead of interpreting the constitution itself. The mere fact that the LG council men may divert the money for personal use and not pay teachers does not make the judgment wrong, THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE GOVERNORS ARE CURRENTLY DOING. IMO, the Supreme Court should sue Punch editorial board for defamation 20 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by kingbee90: 5:56am On Jul 16 |
![]() His Attorney general La-thief Fagbemi is another corrupt man who has bastardised the judiciary with judges giving compromised and conflicting judgements nationwide . 5 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Racoon(m): 6:26am On Jul 16 |
As if the governors have bettered governance since the advent of democratic government in 1999. Let the LGAs to breathe. Abeg let them rest this case. 9 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Racoon(m): 6:27am On Jul 16 |
JomoGbomo2:Exactly! Aptly said! 5 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Paraman: 6:37am On Jul 16 |
I disagree with The Punch, state government still have the power to create LCDA. Otti is owing LG workers at least 11 month arrears. 11 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Mnewton(m): 6:37am On Jul 16 |
Our mumu don do ! Protest loading 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Kukutenla: 6:38am On Jul 16 |
Agim has been giving funny judgement. He's the same dude who made that disgraceful judgement about deposition signed but not stamped in Atiku’s case. The Supreme Court simply carried out a coup on the constitution. Section 2 clearly outlined the federating units and only states and fct are mentioned. Besides, the Fourth Republic is not Nigeria's first attempt at a federal system. We had it in 1960 as well as 1979 and both had only two tiers making up the federation. Even with the existence of districts and provinces in 1960, only the regions and the federal power existed as federating units. Same in 1979, only the states and fg were the federating units. What the SC did was an anomaly. It was not a landmark judgement but a shameful one. It negated the spirit and purpose of our federalism under the guise that some politicians are not behaving well. Bad behaviour of individuals or groups should be punished not the system upended. It makes it look like they are more powerful than the system. To the myopic lots who keep fantasising a sweet end to this bizarre judgement, a rude shock awaits them. Illegality can only beget illegality. It doesn't matter what stamp you use on it. |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Vyzz: 6:38am On Jul 16 |
![]() |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Cajal(m): 6:38am On Jul 16 |
FreeStuffsNG:Foolish people When it does not favour them They remember constitution We are talking of good governance Even if it's not in the constitution It has now become a law When they want manipulate people They cry for constitutional amendment Ole Enikure 6 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Anguldi(m): 6:38am On Jul 16 |
Brown envelope editors ![]() There is no Government that is the same world wide. That's why our laws governing sovereign nation differs . The Agbado editor should gettat arraherrrr. I support the federal government on local government autonomy. Does the editor know better than the local government workers celebrating this feat ![]() This post reeks of corruption fighting back sponsored using punch daily 9 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by SensualMan: 6:39am On Jul 16 |
Westerners are dying daily of hunger, disease and starvation. They are presently organising to stage a similar Ojota Protest against our illustrious son Mazi Ahmed Bola Obinna Tinubu and u are here talking LG balderdash! Jagaban till 2039 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by kennyz247(m): 6:39am On Jul 16 |
Effect of too much expired weed |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by Freshfish4: 6:39am On Jul 16 |
Una go explain taya. See long epistle on top local government 2 Likes |
Re: Supreme Court Got It Wrong On LG Autonomy- Punch Editorial Board by AntiChristian: 6:40am On Jul 16 |
I am giving Punch a punch on this one! F9 4 Likes |
OPC Condemns Killing Of DSS Operatives By Pipeline Vandals / Sheriff Rejects Bot Proposals On Fresh Convention / Photo: Protesters Storm National Assembly Over Herdsmen Killings
(Go Up)
Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 86 |