LG autonomy: Details emerge of proposed National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission
Kunle OYELEYE
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On the heels of the landmark judgment by the Supreme Court granting full autonomy to the 774 local governments across the country is a bill in the Senate seeking to outlaw the State Independent Electoral Commission which previously is constituted by state governments to conduct local government elections. This electoral body to be a tool by state governors to put their men in office by which they appropriate councils funds.
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Many are of the opinion that local government autonomy without electoral autonomy is a ruse that if states continue to oversee the conduct of the election securing full autonomy will be a mirage. Thus, a strident clamour for a federally controlled electoral commission broke. With this it is believed a situation where the party in government at the state level will “clear” all local governments during elections will be a thing of the past and “we will have a semblance of democracy at the local level.”
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Details have now been released on this new bill the Senate introduced recently. See details:
*The bill with 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.”
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*“The National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) is hereby established as an autonomous body mandated to organize, 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 conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections for Local Government Chairman and Councillors.
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*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.”
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*“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.”
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*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.
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*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 the electoral offenses and penalties, it explained that NILGEC shall define and enforce penalties for electoral offenses, 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.
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*“NILGEC shall collaborate with other relevant government agencies, security forces, and civil society organizations 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.”
