COUNCIL CHAIRMEN SEEK 3RD TERM IN LAGOS.

COUNCIL CHAIRMEN SEEK 3RD TERM IN LAGOS.

By Fashina Shakiru

The persistent obsession for power by Nigerian politicians is not only sickening but very alarming, despite clear constitutional limits on their tenure established through the democratic process. This quest for power often leads to manipulation, which endangers the very foundation of democracy, particularly at the grassroots level.

Presently, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty as allegations surface against few local government chairmen. These chairmen are accused of courting elders, stakeholders, and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in what seems to be a maneuver to secure an extension of their terms in the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State. This controversial issue of tenure elongation has not only stirred political tension but has also sparked direct challenges to the principles of democratic governance and accountability enshrined in the constitution.

The current situation involves an unprecedented attempt to overturn the election by manipulating the processes of the GAC, which is remarkable given that whatever decision emerges from this Council of Elders is usually accepted and approved by the governor. This absurdity has led to endless scenarios resembling a ‘too-powerful monster’, contributing to a worrying trend of leaders who are unwilling to leave office. This dangerous trend is further exacerbated by the efforts of some anonymous chairmen and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) members, who are advocating for these extensions of tenure. Such actions threaten the democratic process and undermine the trust of the people in their governance structures.

Since local government autonomy was recognized by the Supreme Court, and local government funds began coming directly from the Federal Government instead of passing through the state governments, Some state authorities have started making attempts through unofficial and potentially illegal methods to reclaim the people’s mandate, which was previously lost due to earlier administrative lapses. This behavior is clearly against democratic principles, and such attempts may not succeed. Many citizens stand firmly opposed to this, as it contradicts the core values of democracy, appearing both repugnant and bizarre in defiance of the majority’s mandate.
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Since the majority of chairmen came to the office, there has been a significant increase in discussions and concerns regarding the reckless spending habits that have been observed. Many have noted the consistent underperformance and mismanagement of funds, which has been a source of frustration. This has become particularly apparent as major local infrastructural projects have been completed in a substandard manner, falling well below the expectations of the community. Such issues have sparked much debate and criticism, pointing to the need for more transparency and accountability in how resources are allocated and managed.

It is essential to emphasize that under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, there is no allowance for extending the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen. This situation was clearly demonstrated with the introduction of the Local Government Amendment Bill in 2013. This bill aimed at prolonging the terms of current chairmen and councilors in Lagos State from a three-year term to a six-year term. However, this proposal encountered substantial opposition and was ultimately discarded during discussions in the State House of Assembly due to its illegality and the potential repercussions of such a move. Thus, the Nigerian constitution distinctly lacks any provision for tenure elongation, and the statutory framework governing local government tenure remains clear and unambiguous. Those advocating for tenure extension risk setting a perilous precedence by engaging in attempts to unlawfully extend the mandates of elected chairmen and councillors in Lagos State, disregarding the fundamental legal framework.