By Lydia Ngwakwe
A SENIOR Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Oladayo Amokaye, has advocated amendment of the 1999 Constitution to clearly define the status of local governments within the Nigerian federal system.
Amokaye, who is a Professor of Private and Property Law, University of Lagos, made the call at the 20th Annual Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture, on Wednesday in Ikeja under the theme: “Usurpation of Powers and Functions: A Case Study of Local Government Administration and Autonomy”.
Amokaye said that the definition was crucial, adding that local governments only existed in principles.
He said that constitutional amendment would help in removing ambiguities regarding local government creation, funding and responsibilities.
This, he said, would establish a strong and effective third tier of government that would effectively serve the needs of Nigerians.
The SAN recommended that the amendment should align constitutional provisions with the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, ensuring that the rulings would be fully respected and implemented.
Amokaye said,” I recommend the amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remove all the ambiguities as to the status, creation, funding and duties of the local government.
“This is with a view to bringing into line, the recent decisions of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy and strengthen the local government as a competent, efficient and effective third tier of government to the benefit of all Nigerians.”
The SAN called on state governments to ensure that local government elections would be free, fair and transparent to enable true democratic representation at the local government level.
He urged state governments to actively work toward institutionalising local government autonomy, granting local councils the necessary powers and resources to function independently.
Amokaye advocated independence of state electoral commissions from political interference by state governments.
According to him, this is to ensure fair and impartial elections.
He said that regular audits of local government finances by the state government should be carried out to ensure that funds allocated to them were being used appropriately.
The SAN recommended that corrupt local government officials should be held accountable for their actions through vigorous prosecution and appropriate penalties.
Earlier, Mr Matthew Ibitoye, President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), highlighted the significance of the Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture for the institution.
He emphasised the respect and admiration NIS had for the late Adekunle Kukoyi, who was its president.
Ibitoye remarked that Kukoyi’s contributions to the surveying profession and his humility were significant and inspiring.
He said that the institution recognised the importance of maintaining high professional standards, emphasising the need for NIS members to uphold Kukoyi’s legacies of excellence and integrity.
“As we honour our past President Kukoyi, whose contributions to the surveying profession and humility remain indelible, his commitment to excellence and integrity continues to inspire us.
“We must not neglect to reflect on his life and times, and we must reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standard of professionalism,” Ibitoye said.
Mr Ayokunnu Adesina, Permanent Secretary/ Surveyor-General, Lagos State, highlighted the importance of honouring and remembering past leaders, particularly those who made significant contributions in their fields.
He said:” For all his pioneering, path finding and mentoring roles, any memorial put in place to recognise and remember the sterling contributions of this professional and practice leader cannot be out of place.
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“This lecture series by the Lagos State branch is certainly one of the least to engrave his memory in the minds of all of us, the beneficiaries of his visionary efforts.
“Indeed, the labour of our heroes’ past shall never be in vain.”
He said that the Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture series was a positive and beneficial initiative.
He said that the series demonstrated the crucial role professional institutions could play in addressing broader societal issues beyond their specific fields.
He said,” This is now being demonstrated by our branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors through the topical nature of themes of the Adekunle Kukoyi memorial lectures that are not restricted to surveying and geoinformatics,” he said.
He said that the themes delved into the political, social and economic environments thereby broadening knowledge, shaping perspectives and contributing to national development.” (NAN)
