The Chairman of the Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions Committee of the North East Development Commission, Sam Onuigbo, believes that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be responsible for conducting council polls instead of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECS).
He expressed regret that since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, state governors have consistently obstructed the proper functioning of local councils as the third tier of government.
Onuigbo made these remarks during an interview with journalists in Abuja, discussing the expectations from the Constitution review exercise by the National Assembly.
He criticized the lack of transparency and fairness in council polls conducted by SIECS, often resulting in charades due to incumbent governors ensuring their party wins all chairmen and councillor positions.
Onuigbo emphasized that abolishing the State Independent Electoral Commissions is crucial to establishing a free and accountable local council system in the country. He argued that SIECS have been used by state chief executives to subjugate the third tier of government as an extension of state control.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, stressed the importance of genuine devolution of powers, fiscal autonomy, and transparent elections. He called for a critical examination of Sections 124 subsection 4 and 197 of the 1999 Constitution during the planned constitution review.
While condemning the practice of having Joint Accounting Committees with the state governments, the former lawmaker declared: “It is imperative to conduct a thorough review ensuring the real independence of local governments, thereby ensuring that all funds allocated to them are utilized for the betterment of the public.”
He said: “The Constitution recognises local governments as the third tier of government, yet the effectiveness of local councils has been significantly compromised by state governors who wield practical control over their administration.
“The worrisome concern stems from the observation that the party affiliated with the government often sweeps these elections, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the process.”
