Beyond Fiscal Autonomy: Kenneth Okonkwo Calls For Political Independence For Local Governments

Beyond Fiscal Autonomy: Kenneth Okonkwo Calls For Political Independence For Local Governments

Nollywood actor and former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has praised the recent Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, deemed it unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds allocated to local administrations, a practice that has persisted for over two decades……… CONTINUE READING

In response, Okonkwo, sharing his thoughts on X, acknowledged the significance of the court’s decision but stressed that true progress hinges on granting political autonomy to local governments as well. He argued that local communities should democratically elect their leaders, rather than governors appointing them. Okonkwo also advocated for abolishing State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) in favor of empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee all elections nationwide.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling on fiscal autonomy for local governments is commendable. However, without political autonomy, where local communities elect their leaders democratically, the misappropriation of local government funds by governors will continue unabated. There’s a need to eliminate SIECs and empower INEC for organizing all elections,” he stated.