There has been clamour for local government
autonomy with some in favour while others
are against. In this interview with our North
West Bureau Chief, Bello Fagge, a former Kano
State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Tanko
Yakasai threw his weight behind autonomy.
He also spoke on other issues. Excerpts
governments are being refused
autonomy? THE FEAR is that
once they are given
autonomy there will
be no manipulation
by states in terms of
political domination, it will also
limit highhandedness in finances
of the local councils.
Who are the clogs in the
realisation of local government
autonomy?
Those who are heading the states,
particularly state governors, at
whose mercy the local government
councils exist.
If you regard state governors
as retardant to the autonomy,
what do you think of the
Senate’s refusal to support the
idea?
Both the senators and the
governors are in complicity to
rob the local councils of the
autonomy because of what both
are benefitting.
But one of the reasons being
forwarded by those against
local government autonomy
involves rampant corruption
in local councils. Do you think
granting them autonomy would
make a bad situation worse?
If that is the fear then there
is no need for local councils to
exist. Let there be dissolution,
leaving only the federal and state
governments to continue to
exist. If this happens, it will still
be the same coin toss between
the two tiers of government.
Don’t forget the constitution
recognises the existence of a
three tiers of governments. Even
though the federal government
controls the centre that covers
demarcated areas comprising
of a number of local areas. If
states are autonomous of federal
governance, there is no reason
why local government areas should
not enjoy that constitutional
provision.
The president comes in through
election, so also the governors,
likewise local government
chairmen. Each of them may have
promised the electorate of one
thing or the other in fulfilment
of electoral promises. But it is
ironical that while the president
and the governors strive to satisfy
the electorate, local government
chairmen are being strangulated by
the state governments, oblivious of
development of the rural areas. So
I repeat local governments should
be given autonomy or should not
exist.
It appears you do not agree
that corruption retards the much
needed development in the
grassroots.
Is there no corruption at both
the federal and state level? What
has happened to those that were
believed to be corrupt elements at
these levels? See them walking the
street freely. Even the corruption
in those two levels seems to be
licensed corruption in the sense
that president and governors
are under the cover of immunity
unlike local government chairmen
who can be descended upon by
the electorate or even be sued in a
court of law.
From your experience as
a former commissioner for
finance what brought about
cash squeeze in the country
as people are complaining
that there is no money in
circulation?
Yes, it is true there is poverty in
the land particularly in the North
and largely caused by dwindling
economic activities. The dwindling
economic activities are as a result
of closure of over 400 industries in
Kano alone when added to those of
Kaduna and others with northern
states with scanty factories. This
situation has made many capable
hands to become idle. The situation
is so pathetic when compared to
South. In those days the two most
industrialised towns are Lagos
and Kano, followed by Kaduna.
Now tell me if not Lagos where
the industries are still functioning.
Unless there is an improvement in
the nation’s economic activities,
people would continue to feel the
pinch of poverty. Added to it is the
perennial power problem that has
always been a menace.
Is there a correlation between
dwindling economic activities
and budget implementation?
The correlation is such that
government takes care of capital
projects, including initiating
programmes by creating an
enabling environment that will
enhance economic activities
usually via the private sector.
If that is the case, then why
do you think government
has not been able to create
an enabling, all these years,
for economic growth and
development?
Government should know
better why it has not provided
an environment conducive for
the enhancement of economic
activities.
Some political analysts and
economists have expressed
the opinion that corruption
is the root cause of under
development, what is your
opinion?
I agree with them. Corruption is
a disease that has eaten deep into
the fabric of the society; it retards
progress anywhere in the world.
It is a pity that in this our
country despite genuine cases
of corruption as established by
competent authorities no punitive
measures have been taken against
culprits, instead, they are freer
than a common goat thief. This is
Nigeria for you, corrupt elements
are kings.
How do you think corruption
can be eliminated?
Political will power, having no
fear or favour in the prosecution
of culprits with substantiated
evidence. It is then the polity and
economy would be seen to be put
on the right track.