General Olufemi Oluyede, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized the empowerment and autonomy of local governments as a crucial strategy in combating insecurity in Nigeria during his closing session with the Senate for confirmation. Drawing from his experience in Yobe State, he highlighted how strong local councils effectively contributed to security efforts through grassroots monitoring and rapid response mechanisms. His remarks underscored the significance of robust local governance structures in strengthening national security.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported General Oluyede’s position, stressing that empowered local governments are vital for implementing targeted, sustainable, and community-driven security initiatives. This discussion comes amid increased national debate following a recent Supreme Court ruling mandating the direct payment of statutory allocations to local councils, bypassing state governments. The ruling has revived critical discussions around fiscal autonomy, accountability, and the effects such changes may have on security and public service delivery at the local level.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Latif Fagbemi has played a pivotal role in this process, urging adherence to the Supreme Court’s decisions while calling for careful implementation. Fagbemi warned that abrupt changes to funding could expose local councils to corruption risks or overwhelm them if they lack the administrative capacity to manage increased resources effectively. His caution highlights the need for a measured approach to ensure that the transition supports security and governance goals without unintended negative consequences.
