OBASA DARES TINUBU OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY

 

In an alarming display of political overreach, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has brazenly suspended the duly elected executive local government chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Jelili Adéwálé Sulaimon. This egregious act not only undermines the democratic process but also flouts the unequivocal wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has championed local government autonomy, as well as the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the independence of local councils across Nigeria.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment that reinforced the autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, decisively rejecting attempts by state governments to dissolve democratically elected local authorities. The ruling, which was unanimously upheld by a seven-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, serves as a cornerstone for democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Yet, in a shocking act of defiance, Obasa has chosen to disregard this pivotal ruling, placing his personal agenda above the rule of law.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has made it abundantly clear that any official who defies the Supreme Court’s ruling will be held accountable. His resolute stance on the matter underscores the gravity of Obasa’s actions. “Local governments must be politically independent, and any state-level official who violates this Supreme Court decision will be held accountable for gross misconduct and abuse of office,” Dr. Aliyu stated emphatically. The ICPC is poised to take decisive action against those who undermine the principles of democracy and accountability.

Moreover, the Supreme Court's ruling is not merely a legal formality; it is a reaffirmation of the democratic rights of citizens to choose their representatives without interference. If the suspending of Hon. Sulaimon stands, Obasa has not only undermined the authority of the electorate but has also acted against the spirit of democratic governance that the Supreme Court sought to protect. This blatant disregard for democratic norms is not only an abuse of power but also a dangerous precedent that threatens the very fabric of our governance.

Obasa’s suspension is particularly troubling given the context of local government autonomy. The judgment explicitly stated that local governments should operate independently, free from undue influence by state officials. This autonomy is crucial for effective governance, as it empowers local leaders to address the unique needs of their communities without fear of reprisal. By suspending Sulaimon, Obasa is effectively stifling local governance and denying the people of Alimosho the leadership they rightfully elected.

The implications of this suspension extend beyond Alimosho, resonating throughout Lagos State and indeed the entire nation. It raises critical questions about the integrity of our political institutions and the commitment of our leaders to uphold the rule of law. It is imperative that the ICPC and other relevant authorities act swiftly to investigate this matter and hold Obasa accountable for his unlawful actions.

Under the Nigerian Constitution, specifically the Fourth Schedule, the powers of local government councils and their officials are defined. The Constitution grants local government councils the autonomy to operate independently, and elected officials, including local government chairmen, cannot be suspended by the state assembly without the say so of the Local Council Legislative arm.

The relevant provisions emphasize that local government councils are to be democratically elected and should function free from undue interference by state authorities. The Supreme Court has also upheld this autonomy, reinforcing that any attempt by a state assembly to suspend an elected local government chairman could be deemed punishable by law and a criminal offence.

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa obviously took caution to the wind because his loyal boy, a land grabber and tout named Abiodun Ejigbadero wasn't given the Iyana Ipaja market levy collection to amass the revenue for himself which is a main source of IGR and common wealth of Alimosho Local Government and her people. A letter we heard  was sent to the local government by the assembly to hand over the sources of the local government revenue to a single individual without consider the affected people.

The state assembly has no such right to interfere in the source of revenue of the local government. 

The above serves no ground for such illegal suspension.

The recent Supreme Court rulings affirm local government autonomy reinforce that any attempt by the state to dissolve or suspend elected officials is unconstitutional.

The ground for suspension by the constitution are; 

1.Misconduct: The law typically includes provisions for suspension based on gross misconduct or violation of duties.

2.Criminal Conviction: If a chairman is convicted of a criminal offense, this can serve as grounds for suspension.

3.Incapacity: Situations that impair the ability of the chairman to perform their duties may also be grounds for suspension.

As citizens, we must stand united against such tyranny and demand that our leaders respect the democratic processes that empower us. The voices of the people must not be silenced by the whims of those in power. We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinforce his commitment to local government autonomy and ensure that the Supreme Court’s ruling is upheld without exception. As well as join every case challenging those that are working against the autonomy of the Local Government.

In conclusion, Mudashiru Obasa’s suspension of Hon. Jelili Adéwálé Sulaimon is not just an isolated incident; it is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and accountability in Nigeria. Let this serve as a rallying cry for all who cherish the principles of good governance and the rule of law. The time for action is NOW; we must hold our leaders accountable and ensure that they serve the interests of the people, not their own political ambitions. The future of our democracy depends on it.

Ademilua Adisa,

Public Affairs Analyst