government institutions, in pre and post-colonial era, the Principle underlying the
creation, as well as the Legal Framework of Local Government administration in Nigeria.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Explain the evolution of Local government administration in Nigeria.
2. Identify the Legal Framework and principles underlying the creation of Local government institutions.
3.0 MAIN CONTENT
3.1 EVOLUTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
d. Late Military Era (1976 – 1979).
e. The Second Republic 1979.
f. The Second Military Era.
3.1.2.1 The Pre-Colonial Period
This period marked the beginning of modern Local government system in the country.
Prior to this period; the traditional institutions were at liberty to practice any system of administration that suits their environment. This period saw the establishment of the native administration or native authorities, where the people were enlightened on political and administrative education. This system of administration allowed the traditional authorities to flourish under the closer supervision of the resident who introduce the indirect rule system. However, under this system, the British were able to penetrate and exploit the vast territory of Nigeria prior to the indirect rule system. The traditional institutions were inferior before the colonial authorities did not accept of parity of status between the Local chiefs or traditional rulers and the Resident Officers. Oyediran (1988), states that, the structure of Local government administration is described as a military-like chain of responsibility extending from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor down to the Resident, District Officer, Chief Emir, District Head, Chief and Village Head.
In summary, authorities of Local government administration during this period where centralized but despite the advent of indirect rule system, the traditional native authorities were still able to carry out Legislative, Executive and Judicial functions. The problem during these periods was corruption of the chiefs and Oba‘s. They were arrogant and over bearing, making Local government administration during this era a failure.
3.1.2.2 Post-Colonial Period
Local Government Administration in Nigeria during the post-colonial period was essentially the responsibility of the regions or what is termed as regionalization or Localization of Local governments in Nigeria. The system of administration varies slightly from one region to another. In the Northern region, they adopted and retained the status as it was under the colonial master, which was the native authority system. The emirs adopted and retained the enormous powers, influence and prestige of the colonial masters to have a stronghold and control of the political will of the region. In the Eastern region, they practiced a two tiered system; District and Local Council System in the Local areas and a three tiered system compose of an all-purpose municipal, urban county and county councils. During this period, members of the various councils were mostly elected. These councils were supposed to be autonomous since the members were elected representatives of the people. The control over the councils was from the Ministry for Local government Inspectorate and the Local Government Service Board (Obiajulu and Obi, 2004). In the western Region, the Local government administrative system was similar to that of the Eastern region in terms of administration and elections. Three tiered structure was in operation, the municipal, urban county and county councils. The councils were thus seen and used as avenues from planting the coalition‘s surrogates at the grass-roots. The major achievements in the three regions during the post-colonial era were
primarily to maintain laws and order, prevention of crime etc. The institutions were poorly financed and over staffed; there was no proper election into key positions.
3.1.2.3 Early Military Era (1967 – 1976)
This era witnessed a period of great political instability and all efforts were geared towards maintaining stability and combating the Biafran treat of succession. The entry of the military did witness some changes in the councils as the Local government administrations were dissolved and new care-taker imposed on them. The nature of military regime which was usually centralized and authoritarian affected the Council since the various regional governments made no pretence of allowing the Councils a semblance of authority. Nothing really remarkable happened at the Local government councils during this period.
3.1.2.4 Late Military Era (1976 – 1979)
This period was a watershed of the evolution of the Local government administration in Nigeria; it witnessed remarkable reforms of the Local government system in Nigeria. The main thrust of the reform was the standardization of the Councils nationwide.
The objectives of the reform were:
1. To bring even and rapid development of Local government administration at all levels throughout the country.
2. To facilitate the exercise of democratic self-government at the Local levels and to encourage initiative and leadership potentials.
3. To mobilize human and natural resources through the involvement of members in Local development.
4. To appropriate serious and development activities responsible to Local wishes and initiative by developing or delegating them to Local representative bodies.
5. To provide a two way channel of communication between the Local communities and the government.
However, some scholars have argued that the changes induced by the reform were not as far-reaching as it ought to be. To this group, they believed that the changes induced were more apparent than real. Egwurube (1991), states that the reform was more symbolic than real and that the changes it introduced were cosmetic.
3.1.2.5 The Second Republic (1979)
This period is tagged to be the anti-climax in the evolution of Local government administration in Nigeria. The Councils were empowered with avenues for rewarding their political allies. Appointments were made into the Councils on partisan patronage, thereby employing corrupt and unqualified personnel to man the affairs of Local governments. This period did not record any remarkable achievement in the evolution process. Local government administration during this period was highly ineffective, unnoticed and made little or no significant impact on the lives of the people.
3.1.2.6 The Second Military Era (1984 – 1999)
The second military era, led to the present status and transformation of the Local government system in Nigeria. The military were quite unsatisfied with the state of the Local governments. The Dansuki Panel (1984), was set up to look into the affairs of the Councils and stipulate guidelines for operation and efficient administration. The Committee, in its report attributed the problems of Local government as operational factors arising directly from the behaviour and attitude of the persons who operated the system.
Some of the recommendations of Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Panel were as follows:
1. The councils should be directly funded and granted autonomy status.
2. The abolition of the Local Government Ministries.
3. Decentralization of the services provided by Local Governments.
However, these recommendations of the Committee could not be implemented as
Buhari‘s administration was overthrown in a palace coup by General Babangida in 1985.
Self-Assessment Exercise: