Shittu challenges Tinubu, Governors on local government funds

Michael Olumide Alabi

Former Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and state governors to ensure that increased revenue accruing to government from the removal of fuel subsidy translates into improved funding and development of local government areas, particularly rural communities, insisting that governors must respect the financial autonomy of councils and allow them to utilise their allocations for the benefit of residents.

Shittu, a lawyer and politician, made the declaration during an interview on ‘Frontline’, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, where he attributed Nigeria’s persistent governance problems largely to the failure of political leaders to implement constitutional provisions effectively.

He argued that although the 1999 Constitution might require amendments in certain areas, the major obstacle to effective governance remained the attitude and conduct of those entrusted with political leadership.

“There is never a perfect constitution,” Shittu said, noting that the existing constitutional framework provides opportunities for amendments whenever necessary.

He urged Nigerians who identify shortcomings in the Constitution to channel their concerns through the National Assembly rather than assume that a complete change of the country’s political structure would automatically resolve its challenges.

“The problem is with the people; it’s not with the law,” he said, maintaining that Nigeria would achieve better governance if political officeholders respected and implemented existing constitutional provisions.

The former minister particularly criticised what he described as interference by some state governors in the administration of local governments, especially in the areas of elections, financial management and autonomy.

He insisted that local government councils must be allowed to manage their resources and discharge their constitutional responsibilities without undue interference from state authorities.

Shittu also challenged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the increased revenue accruing to the government following the removal of the petroleum subsidy translates into improved living conditions, particularly in rural communities.

“If the President has been charitable enough to raise more money from the removal of oil subsidy, should he not also insist that the governors transmit those things down to the local government?” he asked.

His comments come amid ongoing debates over local government autonomy, particularly following the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment affirming financial autonomy for democratically elected local government councils and directing that allocations be paid directly to them.

Defending his right to criticise government policies despite belonging to the ruling APC, Shittu maintained that party membership should not compromise personal convictions or the responsibility to speak against wrongdoing.

“The fact that I am APC does not mean that I will not be able to tell the truth. I don’t fear anybody, and I have always been very honest,” he declared.

On the proposed establishment of state police, the former minister acknowledged the urgent need to address insecurity across the country but expressed concern about the possibility of political interference in the implementation of the initiative.

He cautioned that state police must be established to protect citizens and strengthen security rather than become an instrument for political intimidation or control by state authorities.

Shittu further questioned the assumption that restructuring Nigeria through a return to regional government or the adoption of a parliamentary system would automatically resolve the country’s developmental challenges.

According to him, the priority should be strengthening existing institutions and ensuring that established governance processes function effectively.

“It’s not about regionalism. It’s about existing processes that they replicate, that they don’t revive,” he said.

He stressed the need for governments at all levels to prioritise education, healthcare, employment generation and security, arguing that these areas have a more direct impact on the welfare and development of Nigerians.

The former minister also expressed concern over political representation in Oyo State, particularly what he described as the concentration of governorship opportunities among politicians from Ibadan.

He called on political parties to create a level playing field for qualified individuals from other parts of the state to participate in the contest for leadership positions.

On the economic challenges facing Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, Shittu maintained that government policies should be evaluated based on their impact on citizens rather than the political support they receive.

He argued that the additional revenue available to governments following the economic reforms must translate into improved infrastructure, accessible public services and better living conditions.

“All because they supported it doesn’t make it right,” he said, emphasising that the success of government policies should ultimately be measured by their benefits to ordinary Nigerians.

He reiterated that political leaders must demonstrate greater responsibility, transparency and commitment to public service if Nigeria is to overcome its governance and developmental challenges.