The Arewa Think Tank, a prominent group based in northern Nigeria, has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to grant financial autonomy to local governments.
This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing governance at the grassroots level.
President Tinubu recently took a firm stance against state governors, accusing them of exerting excessive control over local government councils, which he believes stifles their effectiveness and autonomy. This criticism comes amid broader discussions about decentralization and improving local governance in Nigeria.
Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, the Chief Convener of the ATTK, issued a statement highlighting the challenges of accountability and inefficiency that plague local council authorities. He emphasized the importance of holding state governors responsible for the underdevelopment seen at the grassroots level.
Yakubu stated, “Arewa Think Tank is in line with President Tinubu for criticizing the governors who, during elections, rely on local governments to garner votes but, after the polls, focus solely on the state level.” This statement reflects the group’s frustration with the current dynamics where local governments are often neglected post-elections.
Furthermore, Yakubu praised President Tinubu’s efforts to boost the country’s revenue base and urged state governors to be more considerate of the needs of local communities. He stressed the urgency of addressing these issues to foster equitable development across all levels of governance.
The ATTK also conveyed their approval and support for the federal government’s legal action against the 36 state governors, brought before the Supreme Court, to enforce full autonomy for local governments. This lawsuit is a critical step towards ensuring that local councils operate independently and efficiently.
In addition to their support for local government autonomy, the group criticized what they perceive as intentional attempts to undermine key officials in President Tinubu’s administration, starting with the Comptroller General of Customs. This critique underscores the group’s broader concerns about governance and the effective implementation of policies under the current administration.
