According to Morgan Adikwu-Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia has sparked controversy by seemingly defying a landmark judgment affirming full autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local governments. Alia’s power grab has led into the alleged inauguration of a caretaker committee in disregard of the Supreme Court’s ruling,
Reports indicate that on the night of July 13, 2024, under secretive conditions and alleged directives from Governor Hyacinth Alia, caretaker committees were established, blatantly ignoring the judiciary’s clear directive and raising serious concerns about the governor’s adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Governor Alia, alongside 29 others, had previously filed objections against the federal government’s push for local government autonomy. This resistance starkly contrasts with the celebratory tone of many Nigerians who see the Supreme Court’s ruling as a pivotal step towards grassroots empowerment and curbing corruption.
Comrade Daniel Onjeh, a close confidant of Governor Alia, praised the Supreme Court’s decision and commended the Tinubu-led federal government for their bold initiative.
Onjeh’s statements underscored the significance of financial independence for local councils, highlighting that the autonomy granted would prevent governors from using local governments as conduits for corrupt practices. He emphatically stated that anyone against this judgment is an enemy of Nigeria, a sentiment believed by many to be aimed at Governor Alia.
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive that the appointment of caretaker committees is illegal and unconstitutional, the alleged late-night inauguration of caretaker committees in Benue State suggests a blatant disregard for the judgment. Reports indicate that the process was carried out under secretive conditions, with strict instructions to avoid documentation, and the proceedings were to be backdated.
This maneuver raises significant concerns about the governor’s respect for judicial decisions and his commitment to democratic governance. Such actions could be considered contempt of court, undermining the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Evidence of this inauguration surfaced through a goodwill message from the Okpokwu Progressive Movement (OPM), congratulating the newly appointed caretaker chairman. This message confirmed the establishment of caretaker committees under Governor Alia’s administration, contradicting the Supreme Court’s directives and sparking further controversy.
Political commentator Paul Terfa, Ph.D., has criticized Governor Alia’s actions as indicative of high-level indiscipline and a confirmation of his failure to adhere to the principles of his political party, the APC. Terfa challenged Alia’s integrity, pointing out the inconsistency between his promises to grant local government autonomy and his actions in opposing the federal government’s stance.
This behavior, Terfa argued, highlights a troubling disregard for constitutional provisions and a pattern of unfulfilled promises. Issues of honesty, sincerity, and commitment to democratic principles are now at the forefront of this controversy.
Governor Alia’s recent actions, including the suspension of elected local government officials and the appointment of caretaker committees, reflect a reliance on manipulating local government administration to maintain political relevance. This strategy, now punctured by the Supreme Court’s judgment, underscores the need for a genuine commitment to democratic principles and accountability.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy represents a significant stride towards empowering grassroots governance and combating corruption. However, actions like those reported in Benue State undermine these efforts, posing a serious threat to the progress towards true democracy and development in Nigeria. As Onjeh aptly put it, anyone against this judgment is an enemy of Nigeria.
