Politics: Corrupting the Local Saints



John Bukunmi 

 This article could have been crafted in the style of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" to appease the wrath of public opinion, but the spirit in every ink is to seek solutions and not exacerbate problems. 

With the Supreme Court's judgment ending the rift and strife over the tussle for power between the federal government and state governors regarding local government autonomy, the federal government favors local government autonomy. In contrast, state governors, aiming to keep local governments under their control, devise every means to put them at the beck and call of their jurisdiction. Consequently, local government chairmen are now made to serve as butlers and comprador leaders, paying obeisance to their former leaders who taught them the schemes and skills to oppress and compress. 

The anticipated freedom has been granted to local governments, but the questions that must arise in our hearts and demand solutions are: 

  • Can local governments maintain their integrity and avoid corruption? 
  • Will state governors obey the Supreme Court rulings? 
  • Are local government chairmen ready to challenge the state emperors? 
  • Will grassroots-level or home-made governments become heaven-rule governments (monarchies)? 

The fear of every intelligent observer lies in the answers to these sagacious questions, which are not rhetorical. If local governments are to maintain their integrity and avoid being defiled by the tactics and maneuvers learned from state emperors, they must play a saintly game despite having a dirty master or warlord. The federal government, which fought for their independence, must also serve as a watchdog to guarantee their sovereignty. Moreover, people at the grassroots level must be ready to check their home government. Any erring leaders must be brought to book, and political apathy must be banned, as it is a blessing in disguise for state governors. 

Expecting state governors to obey the Supreme Court rulings is a joke. If local government autonomy is granted, state governors will have little or no power left. The concurrent bill, meant to be shared with their strict elder sisters and their Oliver Twist selves, is far from its purpose. 

Yes, local governments can challenge state emperors if they are deeply rooted and receive aid directly from the federal government, not from their angry neighbors. 

If grassroots governments are to avoid becoming heaven-rule governments (monarchies) by turning their leaders into diabolical and hereditary figures, the actions should be left in the hands of the people and their elder sisters. 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Social Director Addresses Budget Discrepancies, Loan Misunderstanding, and Event Challenges

Image
  By Omolola Gracie   FATSSSA PRESS: Good afternoon, Mr. Ashcroft. I'm a correspondent from FATSSSA Press and we're here today for the interview regarding the controversy with the FATSSSA Picnic. So, regarding the picnic controversies,  how much was budgeted and eventually spent? MR ASHCROFT: A budget of #398,000 was approved. FATSSSA PRESS: (points to the hard copy of the budget) This, right? MR ASHCROFT: Yes FATSSSA PRESS: So, 398,000 was approved by the house. Some items include small chops, four puff puffs per person, one samosa, one spring roll, and you planned for how many people? MR ASHCROFT: 400 people.   FATSSSA PRESS: For the small chops, everything was priced at 100,000. The peppered ponmo was budgeted at #60,000, punch for also #60,000, DJ for #70,000, and several others, all amounting to #398,000. So how much was eventually spent? MR ASHCROFT: #362,000 was eventually spent.   FATSSSA PRESS: So #398,000 was, indeed, budgeted for 400 people but #36...
Read more

BREAKING: FACULTY OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES MOURNS LECTURER, SUSPENDS ALL ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK

Image
  By Emmanuel Akinwale The Faculty of the Social Sciences has today, 8th October released a memorandum announcing the suspension of all academic and administrative activities within the f aculty , following the untimely passing of Professor Ifeanyi Onyeonoru , a respected lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Head of the Employment Relations and Human Resource Management Unit.   The devastating news confirmed by FATSSSA Press correspondent stated that Professor Ifeanyi Onyeonoru passed away in the early hours of October 7, 2024, at Jaja Clinic during a brief illnes. The esteemable Professor is said to have contributed significantly to the academic repository of the Faculty and most importantly, his Department with his repertoire of knowledge. In a memorandum signed by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Ehigie , the Dean of the Faculty expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating:   " This is to inform members of the Faculty that Lectures and other official activi...
Read more

THE FATSSSA WEEK EVENTS THROUGH THE EYES OF A NERDY FATSSSAITE

Image
  By Omolola Odukoya    The Faculty of The Social Sciences had always been known for events which make headlines around campus. However, there had been loud hiccups with the crispy picnic, so many might have been hesitant to show up at the FATSSSA Week events. In preparation for the opening day of the events, the Large Lecture Theatre had been decorated. A large purple banner bearing the name of the faculty, with beautiful splashes of white and orange, was glued to the wall. The week started with an incredible intellectual programme - ‘Dean For  A Day’ and ‘FATSSSAites who inspire us’. I was determined to attend the programme as it was a new trend and I was curious to see how it would turn out. My mouth went agape as I saw FATSSSAites rush to the event. There were six amazing personalities whose citations made my head burst open.  One of the personalities, Mr Shallom made the girls swoon as his melodious baritone tingled through the room. His cheeks turned...
Read more