In a nation yearning for sustainable development, effective leadership, and stronger democratic institutions, Hon. Samuel Onuigbo once again demonstrates why his voice resonates far beyond the shores of Nigeria. Featured on the respected Arise News Network to address the burning question, “Local Government Autonomy: When Will It Happen?” Hon. Onuigbo brought clarity, historical depth, and political courage to a topic too often reduced to shallow debate.
He reminded Nigerians that when the unified local government system was introduced in 1976, it was not just a policy decision but a deliberate attempt to transition away from the native authority system and the chaos of the past. The goal was clear, establish a transparent, well-demarcated, and functional local government structure capable of delivering governance closest to the people. And indeed, as he rightly recalled, Nigeria witnessed moments of success–first under the military, and later in the early years of the 4th Republic from 1999 to 2002/2003.
However, Hon. Onuigbo fearlessly highlighted the derailment: when local governments sought tenure extensions and failed, it opened the door for governors to stifle their independence, holding back revenues and restricting their breathing space. With candor and precision, he pointed out that the real challenge today lies not with the federal government—which has done its part under Section 162 of the Constitution, ensuring transparency and accountability—but with certain governors who have gone so far as to pass laws mandating that every local government project must first be cleared at the state level.
“Imagine the effect,” he emphasized, “if local governments were truly free to discharge their constitutional responsibilities our youths would be engaged, insecurity would be reduced, and development would thrive at the grassroots.”
Hon. Onuigbo further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking a firm stance on this matter, stressing that the president’s concern is both timely and critical for national stability. For him, this is not just a legal issue but a moral one: elected leaders, including governors, must be reminded that they did not elect themselves. Leadership is a sacred trust, and it must be exercised for the benefit of the people not at their expense.
When asked what could be done to ensure the Supreme Court’s ruling on autonomy translates into reality, Hon. Onuigbo responded with the wisdom of a statesman: persuasion, dialogue, and the collective will of the Nigerian people. Because when the grassroots breathe, the nation flourishes.
This powerful intervention reinforces Hon. Onuigbo’s reputation as a bridge between Nigeria’s leadership and its people, between the nation and the global community. His track record—spanning the sponsorship of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act 2021, his leadership roles both locally and internationally, and his relentless advocacy for fairness and equity proves once again that he is not just a politician but a transformational leader with vision.
The recognition he now commands on international platforms is no accident, it is the fruit of decades of principled service, unshaken integrity, and an unwavering belief that governance must uplift people, not oppress them. In this light, his voice on local government autonomy is not simply commentary, it is a call to action for every Nigerian who believes in true democracy.
Hon. Samuel Onuigbo’s intervention reminds us that autonomy is not a privilege for local governments, it is their constitutional right. And until we uphold it, we cannot say our democracy is whole.
And lastly, he gave a high commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his admirable transparency in ensuring that the subnationals receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) without obstruction. In Hon. Onuigbo’s view, this bold step reflects the President’s commitment to accountability and fairness, laying the groundwork for restoring true autonomy at the grassroots and deepening the roots of Nigerian democracy.
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