The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend federal allocations to states that have failed to conduct credible local government elections. This comes after elections were held on October 5 at the grassroots level in states such as Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom, and Jigawa, while many other states have yet to organize local government polls.
SERAP expressed dissatisfaction with the continued allocation of federal funds to states that have not conducted elections, a practice the organization views as undermining democratic principles. According to SERAP, these allocations are going to unelected councils, which contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and recent court rulings.
In a statement released by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, SERAP urged President Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to withhold federal allocations from states that fail or refuse to conduct local government elections. SERAP insists that only democratically elected local government councils should receive funds from the Federation Account.
“Allocations should be disbursed only to local governments that have conducted free and fair elections, as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in its judgment of July 11, 2024,” the statement read.
SERAP also called for transparency from the federal government, urging the President to publish details of local government councils that have directly received federal funds, ensuring that only those democratically elected are benefiting from the national allocation. This request aligns with a broader push to enforce the constitutional mandate for the independence and democratic functioning of local councils across Nigeria.
This move by SERAP reflects growing concerns about the lack of accountability at the grassroots level, where local councils, often run by caretaker committees or unelected officials, continue to receive federal funds. The organization argues that the absence of credible elections hinders the proper functioning of local governments and deprives citizens of their right to choose their representatives.
If SERAP’s recommendations are heeded, it could spark reforms in how federal allocations are distributed, ensuring that only local councils with elected officials benefit, which would reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance at all levels. The push to withhold funds may compel states to prioritize local elections and ensure that they are conducted in line with constitutional requirements.
I think SERAP is overstepping by asking President Tinubu to withhold allocations. Let the states handle their own affairs.
I think SERAP is overstepping by pushing Tinubu to withhold funds. Let states handle their own affairs!
I dont think withholding allocations is the solution. Its a slippery slope that could harm innocent citizens. Lets find a better way.
Who cares about local government elections? Let the states handle their own affairs without interference. SERAP needs to chill.
I think SERAP is overstepping here. Let the states handle their affairs. Tinubu shouldnt withhold allocations based on this.
States need accountability. SERAPs role is crucial in ensuring transparency. Tinubus actions are concerning.
I think SERAP is overstepping by pressuring President Tinubu. Let the states handle their affairs without interference.
States often need oversight. Corruption affects everyone. SERAPs efforts are necessary for accountability.
I think SERAPs suggestion is unfair. Withholding allocations punishes citizens, not just politicians. Lets find a better solution.
Politicians should be held accountable for misusing funds. Withholding allocations is a necessary consequence.
I think SERAP is overstepping by asking for allocations to be withheld. Let the states handle their own affairs.
I dont see the big deal, let Tinubu do what he wants with the allocations. Its his call, not ours.
I dont think withholding allocations is the answer. Its punishing citizens for the governments failures. There must be a better solution.
Withholding allocations holds the government accountable. Citizens deserve better than empty promises.
I dont think Tinubu should have that much power over state allocations. Local elections are a state matter.
I dont think its fair to punish entire states for local government elections. Lets consider the impact on innocent citizens.
I think SERAP is overstepping here. Let the states handle their own affairs. Centralizing power isnt always the answer.
I dont agree with SERAP. Let the states handle their own affairs. Centralizing power isnt always the answer.
Why should Tinubu have this power? Let states manage their own affairs without interference. Decentralization is key.
Tinubu has earned influence through years of political experience. States need strong leadership for progress.
I think SERAP is overstepping by urging Tinubu to withhold allocations. Let states handle their affairs independently.
I think SERAP is overstepping by asking Tinubu to withhold allocations. Let the states handle their affairs!
SERAP is holding leaders accountable. States need transparency. Tinubu should step up.
I dont think withholding allocations is the solution. Lets focus on improving the electoral process instead of punishing already struggling states.
Is it fair to punish entire states for local government elections? What about the citizens who are not responsible for the corruption?
Sometimes the collective must bear the consequences of individual actions. Solidarity includes accountability.
I dont agree with SERAP. Why should Tinubu have that power? Its undemocratic and sets a dangerous precedent.
I dont think its fair to punish entire states for the failures of local governments. Tinubu should reconsider this approach.
I dont agree with SERAP. Let the states handle their own elections. Central control isnt always the answer.
Central oversight ensures fairness and uniformity. State autonomy can lead to inconsistencies and bias.
I dont think Tinubu should be the one deciding on state allocations. Let the people have a say!
I think SERAP needs to chill. Let the states handle their business. Too much interference breeds more problems.
I dont agree with SERAPs stance. Local elections are a state matter, not Tinubus. Let the states handle it.
I think Tinubu should do it! States need to step up their game and hold fair elections. No more excuses!
I think SERAPs suggestion is unfair. Local governments need funds regardless of election credibility. Lets focus on accountability instead.
I think SERAP should focus on more pressing issues like corruption in the government. Local elections are just a small piece of the puzzle.
Why should Tinubu have that power? Let the states handle their own elections. Centralized control is never the answer.
Why should Tinubu have that much power? Let the states handle their affairs without interference. #StatesRights #ControversialOpinion
Tinubu has earned influence through his political acumen. States rights dont mean unchecked power. #PoliticalReality
I dont see why Tinubu should be the one to decide on allocations. Let the states handle their own affairs.
Why should Tinubu have that power? Isnt that undemocratic? Let the states handle their own affairs.
I disagree with SERAP. Its not fair to punish entire states for local election issues. Lets find a better solution.
I dont think withholding allocations is the solution. It could worsen the situation for the people in those states.
I dont think its fair to punish entire states for the actions of their local governments. Lets focus on accountability at the right level.