Local Government Reform

Local Government has often taken intense criticism for its failure to deliver services or any economic development at the community level. This criticism should be kept in proportion. Local Governments combined in oil producing states receive less than 20% of state government income. However, this does not justify their failure to provide for the most basic of needs to the citizens they represent.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Nuhu Ribadu has summed up widespread frustration with Local Governments, stating that "it's not even corruption. It's gangsterism. It's organised crime." [vii] Similar criticisms have occasionally come from President Obasanjo, the Ministry of Finance, State Governors and Police Commissioners. However despite concerted criticism there has been remarkably little action, particularly in the Niger Delta states.

Local Governments are constitutionally placed under the supervision of State governments. Transparency of Local Government funds - and allocations of these funds for designated projects - would go some way to creating a platform for local monitoring and increasing the delivery of local services. A first step in this direction would be the creation of permanent committee for Local Government Affairs at a State level.

A Human Rights Watch report on Local Governments in Rivers State released at the end of January has had an extended run in the local media because of its specific insights into the degree of State corruption. The report builds on efforts by local NGOs and communities to bring some accountability to Local Government. However, local organisations have often lacked leverage and resources in the face of state government indifference. Sustained pressure from the Federal government, international community and companies on State Governments' governance could build on the modest bridgehead that has been established.

One local reaction - which should be challenged vigorously - has been signs of re-emerging harassment of civil society spokespeople.

In recent weeks Institute for Humanitarian Law Executive Director, Anyakwe Nsirimovu, has begun receiving threats after a period of high profile comments on State and Local Government accountability. Nsirimovu was subsequently attacked by armed youths while driving in Port Harcourt, in what appeared to be a targeted incident that he was fortunate to drive through with only damage to his vehicle.

The threats are reminiscent of the harassment and violence that occurred before the 2003 elections. Any tolerance by the international community for - or turning a blind eye to - such behaviour will be exploited ruthlessly by the least desirable of political office holders.