Rivers State dey face one big crisis wey dey test the autonomy of local governments for Nigeria. The crisis start on October 7, 2024, but e get root for the past, especially from the bitter rivalry between Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Siminalayi Fubara, the incumbent governor of the state.
The recent judgment from the Supreme Court on autonomy for local government areas don turn local governments in Rivers State into battlegrounds for these two politicians and their supporters. The judgment suppose to give local governments financial autonomy, but instead, it dey cause more tension and violence.
Politicians for the state dey use young people as tools for their personal interests, leading to the burning of local government secretariats and other public buildings. This kind of violence no dey help the people; instead, it make things worse and allow thieving politicians to dip deeper into public funds.
The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, dey criticized for conducting elections despite valid court orders. As the chief law officer of the state, he suppose to uphold the law and comply with court decisions, not undermine them.
Nigeria need to find new ways to enforce the rule of law and ensure that local governments operate independently without the suffocating control of state governors. The Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments can be a game-changer, but it will only work if politicians allow it to happen.
The situation in Rivers State dey foreshadow what might happen in other states if local government autonomy no dey respected. Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, need to recognize the opportunity this judgment offers and play their part in ensuring local governments function properly.
