Zenith Labour Party chieftain, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, on Sunday, x-rayed the move by the Senate to create an independent electoral commission for local governments, saying that the fear for its success remained with the state governors and whether political forces would implement it with honesty.
Akinlaja, a former labour leader who represented Ondo-East/West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives up to 2019, told the Nigerian Tribune in an interview that the problem with Nigeria was the insincerity of implementing policies or new ideas, no matter how good.
“Unless we decide to work according to the rules without caring about whose ox is gored, there is no good system that you put in place that is allowed to work in Nigeria,” he said.
Akinlaja stressed that, much as he was not against the country having a new independent body to conduct council polls, he wasn’t sure that there would be the “purity of mind” to allow the commission to work.
He also expressed doubts that state governors would allow the local government councils to enjoy their new financial autonomy, courtesy of the recent judgement of the Supreme Court.
Akinlaja spoke further: ”So, the problem is with us human beings. At a point, I came to the conclusion in my mind and proposed it, but it did not fly: that we should have only two tiers of government: the federal and the state. Thereafter, the states can go and create the number of local governments that their capacity can carry.
“Even though we have succeeded through the Supreme Court in getting autonomy for the local governments, the governors will still decide who becomes a chairman or a councillor.
“That is how it is; the implementation has always been our problem.”
Akinlaja recalled how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) promised electronic uploading of results during the last general elections and was applauded, only for the commission to come up with the excuse of “glitch” when it mattered most.
He noted, “There is no problem in trying different options, but what is required is the purity of our minds.
There is no system that you put in place that we Nigerians do not try to circumvent.
“Look at the turnout of the last general elections, for instance; there was no glitch in INEC’s system in the National Assembly results, but once it came to that of the presidential election, which was conducted on the same day, there was a glitch.”
On Thursday last week, the Senate introduced a bill seeking to create an independent electoral body charged with the responsibility of conducting local government council elections.
The bill with the title “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)” was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa (APC, Niger-East).
The bill partly states, “To establish the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matter thereof to do with local government as a third tier of government.
“The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organise, oversee, and conduct elections for the offices of Local Government Chairman and Councillors across all states.”
The bill lists the functions and powers of NILGEC to include the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for local government chairman and councillors.
It stated further, “To prepare and maintain an accurate and up-to-date voter register.
“To ensure voter education and public awareness regarding the electoral process,.
“To set and enforce electoral guidelines and regulations for local government elections.
“To recruit and train electoral officers and staff for efficient election management.
“To monitor and supervise all electoral activities and processes.
“To investigate and adjudicate electoral disputes and grievances.”
According to the proposed legislation, NILGEC shall consist of a Chairperson and six Commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
It says, “The Chairperson and Commissioners shall serve for a term of five years, renewable once.”
On its independence and autonomy, the bill states that NILGEC shall operate independently, free from external influence and interference.
“The Commission shall have its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to ensure financial independence,” it states.
On the electoral process and procedures, the bill states that NILGEC shall develop and implement procedures for voter registration, candidate nomination, and the conduct of elections.
It stated, “NILGEC shall ensure the provision of necessary electoral materials and logistics for the smooth conduct of elections.
“NILGEC shall announce the election schedule at least six months before the date of the election.
“Elections for the offices of local government chairman and councillors shall be conducted every four years.”
On electoral offences and penalties, it was explained that NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offences, including but not limited to voter fraud, ballot stuffing, and electoral violence.
“Offenders shall be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the land.
“NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organisations to ensure a secure and credible electoral process.
“Upon the establishment of NILGEC, all powers and functions related to the conduct of local government elections previously vested in any other body or authority shall be transferred to NILGEC.”
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