THE QUEST FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AND GRASS

ROOT DEMOCRACY
(A CASE STUDY OF BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA)

BY
SUNDAY MAGDALENE DAMWESH
PSP/SABS/PAD/HND/2015/512/0365

BEING A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, SCHOOL OF ADMINISTRATION
AND BUSINESS STUDIES, PLATEAU STATE POLYTECHNIC,
BARKIN LADI, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL
DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

NOVEMBER, 2017

1
 APPROVAL PAGE

This research project has been read and approved as partial requirements

for the award of Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, Plateau

State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.

____________________ _________________
Luka Panpe Yakubu Date
Project Supervisor

_____________________ _________________
Christiana Lekshak Date
Project Coordinator

_____________________ _________________
Charles Sharma Habu
Head of Department Date

_____________________ _________________
External Examiner Date

2
 DEDICATION
I dedicate this project to Almighty God for his guidance and protection

during my studies.

3
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost I appreciate God Almighty for good health and

knowledge that he accorded to me during the research.

I wish to express my profound gratitude to my supervisor Mr. Luka

Panpe Yakubu for his effort in making necessary criticism and correction

throughout the writing of this project. I also acknowledge the effort of my

lecturers for their patience, correction and guidance during our course of study

in the polytechnic.

I also acknowledge my husband and our lovely babies for their

understanding support throughout my study. And to my friends, course mates

who assisted me in one way or the other during this project. May God bless

you all.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page - - - - - - - - - - i
Approval page - - - - - - - - - ii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - iii
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - iv
Table of contents - - - - - - - - - v
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study - - - - - - - 1
1.2 Statement of the problem - - - - - - - 3
1.3 Research question - - - - - - - - 4
1.4 Objectives of the study - - - - - - - 4
1.5 Significance of the study - - - - - - - 5
1.6 Scope of the study - - - - - - - - 5
1.7 Limitation of the study - - - - - - - 6
1.8 Methodology of the study - - - - - - - 6
1.8.1 Population of the study - - - - - - - 6
1.8.2 Sample size and sampling technique - - - - - 6
1.8.3 Method of data collection - - - - - - - 7
1.8.4 Instruments for data presentation and analysis - - - - 8
1.9 Definition of terms - - - - - - - - 8
References - - - - - - - - - 10

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction- - - - - - - - 11

2.1 - - - - - 11

2.2 - - - - - - - 12

2.2.1 - - - - - - - - 14

2.2.2 - - - - - - - 18

2.2.3 - - 19

2.2.4 - - - - - - - 22

5
2.2.5 - - - - 23

2.3 - - - - - - 24

2.4 - - - 28

2.5 - - 34

2.6 38

Reference - - - - - - - - - 39

CHAPTER THREE: EVOLUTION OF AREA OF STUDY

3.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - 40
3.2 Historical Review of Bassa Local Government - - 40
3.3 Objectives of Bassa Local Government - - - - 41
3.4 Function of key Organizational Units and Departments in
Bassa Local Government - - - - - - 44
3.5 Achievement the Local GovernmentArea 48
Reference - - - - - - - - 50

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - 51
4.2 Presentation of Data and Analysis - - - - - 51
4.3 Results of Findings - - - - - - - 57
4.4 Relevance of Findings - - - - - - 59
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION
5.1 Summary of Findings - - - - - - 60
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - 61
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - 62
Bibliography - - - - - - - - 64
Appendix

6
 ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the quest for local government autonomy and grassroots
democracy from 2012-2017. It sought to identify services delivered by local
government and the extent to which democratic values and practices have
permeated politics and administration at the grassroots with particular
reference to Bassa Local government area of Plateau State. Having discussed
the viewpoints of scholars on the quest for autonomy and grassroots
democracy, the project identifies the disparities between democratic ideals and
actual practices at the local government, especially in the areas of fiscal
autonomy, sustainable development and statutory responsibilities. This is due
to poor allocation from the federation account and the constant interjection of
the political interest of the state government into local government affairs. A
set of structured questionnaires were designed and administered to the staff of
Bassa local government using Simple Random Sampling Technique, so as to
capture their views in respect to the subject matter. The sample size was
determined through the formula of Yamane from which 90 questionaires were
conveniently distributed, filled and returned. The objectives of the research
was among others, aimed at assessing the impact of inter-governmental
relations on the autonomy of the local government; determining the extent to
which local government has been able to perform its statutory mandate in
respect to service delivery and to examine the extent of sustainability of
projects as it relate to grassroots democracy. Findings reveal that local
government lacks substantial autonomy to effectively carry out its mandate its
distributive mandate of ensuring the dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
The factors influencing fiscal autonomy base on result of finding are political
affiliation, socio-economic considerations, loyalty of the chairman, and party
affiliations. It was recommended that The authority to determine the structure,
composition, finance and function of local government should rest in the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not on the State Government.
This will ensure stable local government, and strengthen local government
autonomy.

7
 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The continuous agitation for local government reform in Nigeria is no

doubt an indication that all is not well with the tier of government at the

grassroots (Koni 2016:172). Since 1976, successive regimes have been

responding one way or the other to the calls for reform of the local government

system. Yet the local government councils have remained largely ineffective in

transforming the socio-economic welfare of the people. Consequently, the

search for local government autonomy which began more than fourty years ago

continues till date.

In sync with the above assertion, Oladiran, Benedict and Siyaka

(2015:1) insists that local governments in Nigeria are crisis ridden. They

argued that “the debate over the performance of their statutory functions has

undermined the existentialism of local government whose authority is derived

from the constitution”. In congruence, Obi (2013) as cited in Oladiran,

Benedict and Siyaka (2015:1) asserts that, “the place of the third tier

government, that is local government administration in Nigeria, has remained

the thorniest and contentious issue in Nigeria federalism. It has to be so

principally because it actually has led to general distortion in public service

delivery at the most crucial levels of government in Nigeria. The essence of

8
local government is to bring government closer to the people and to ensure

service delivery. Its very existence is expected to bring about adequate

democracy and development from the grassroots.

Odo (2014:101) posits that “the political necessity to extend the power

and presence of government throughout a political system is the primary

justification for the establishment of local government. That this compulsive

need has inevitably led the government to accept the principle of power

sharing and distribution in country’s federal structure including the functions

or service delivery at various levels of the state.

Thus, local government in Nigeria evolved in order to bring into effect

the extension and distribution of power within Nigerian federation so as to

ensure proper and adequate grassroot democracy. In other words, the basis of

local government is extricably woven around the principles of decentralization.

Decentralization is an arrangement by which the management of public

affairs of a country is shared between the centre and lower levels of

government in a manner that the local government is given reasonable scope to

raise funds and use its resources to provide a range of socio-economic services

and establish programmes and projects that enhance the well being of those

residence within its area of authority hence, invigorating grassroot democracy

(Dalhatu, 2006).

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 Despite the constitutional provision for democratically elected local

government in Nigeria, the system of local government as presently constituted

in most states of Nigeria are regulated by the management committees. The

local governments do not exercise fiscal control over their resources while

their power to formulate policies and programmes are continuously determined

by the state governments. This scenario has recently led to the clamour for

local government autonomy by most Nigerians. This study thus examines

whether there is any justification for reform of local government by granting

them autonomy.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria is a federating state with two levels of government, the central

and regional, both working directly to provide services (Wheare, 1963). In

Nigeria however, there are three levels viz federal, state and local government.

However, the local government suffers excessive dependence on the other tiers

of government interms of finance, administrative control and so on.

Although, the 1976 local government reform in Nigeria made

government as third tier of government and the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions

provides that legislative powers of local government shall be vested in the

local government council this is not often the case with, most local government

10
in Nigeria. This means that local government has legislative powers but only in

principles (Nwabueze, 1983). All over the globe modern trend in the

attainment of good governance or grassroot democracy is to decentralize. But

decentralization and autonomy are absent in Nigeria thereby resulting into

ineffective and inefficient administration. The International Journal of

Advanced Legal Studies and Governance has observed that “autonomy is

preferred in most nations – states in order to promote rapid development of the

country.

Over the years, efforts have been made to democratic local government

and make it more responsive to developmental needs. However, problems have

continued to subsist unabated ranging from inadequate planning, poor

implementation of policies, inadequate revenue, corruption and

mismanagement, lack of adequate manpower, lack of internal democracy,

inter-governmental conflicts among others.

Critics and public commentators have argued that the 774 local

government areas that currently exist and not alive to their responsibilities in

terms of development and grassroot reach. As it is today, local government is

anything but what it was meant to be. Many people argued that the original

idea of bringing governance close to the grassroots by encouraging

11
participation by the local people has since been hijacked and replaced with

sadistic intent to oppress the grassroot by the state government. This tier of

government has been reduced into a political and financial apparatus which

Governors dispenses favour to willing accomplices and serve punishment for

errant and recalcitrant opponents. It has also been turned into a piggy bank for

ruling parties, which funds are always used to canvass for votes in lieu of

tangible development projects. It is against this back-drop that this study is

birthed.

1.3 Research Questions

The research questions for the study are as follows;

i. What positive impact has inter-governmental relations on the

autonomy of local government?

ii. Is the local government adequately performing its statutory

responsibilities in respect to service delivery and dividends of

democracy?

iii. Has there been sustainability of projects in Bassa Local

Government as relating to its mandate of ensuring adequate

grassroots democracy?

iv. To what extent is poor service delivery in rural areas of the state

directly related to insufficient funding?

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 v. What are the factors influencing fiscal autonomy in local

government in Bassa?

vi. How could the challenges of fiscal autonomy be resolved to meet

service delivery needs efficiently in the local government areas of

the state?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to examine the quest for local

government autonomy and grassroots democracy in Bassa Local Government

Area.

The specific objectives are;

i. To assess the impact of inter-governmental relations on the autonomy

of the local government.

ii. To determine the extent to which local government has been able to

perform its statutory mandate in respect to service delivery

iii. To examine the extent of sustainability of projects as it relate to

grassroots democracy.

iv. To ascertain the factors influencing fiscal autonomy in Bassa local

government.

v. To proffer solutions to the challenges confronting local government

autonomy and grassroots democracy.

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1.5 Significance of the Study

The overall significance of this study to the inhabitants of Bassa local

governments and the larger society lies in its chances of proffering enduring

solution to the age-long controversies surrounding actions and inactions of

higher authorities vis-à-vis grassroot democracy. This stands to be possible as

the study will expose hidden agenda of government and constraints that

preclude the functionality of government(s) for the general good of all

stakeholders. It will contribute towards the promulgation of necessary law to

checkmate the excesses of leaders and enhance robust democratic relationship

between and amongst the various levels of government.

Finally, this study could assist as blue print and strategy of policy

formulation and implementation to governments, academics analysts as it will

check a dearth of literature and stimulate further studies on the subjects matter

or its related areas.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study covers the quest for local government autonomy and

grassroots democracy in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau of Plateau

State between 2012 to 2017.

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1.7 Limitation of the Study

At the course of carrying out this research work, certain limitations were

encountered. These include disruptions to the smooth progress of the research

occasioned by lack of cooperation by the local government staff due to

absenteeism and abscondment as a result of managerial inadequacies in terms

of internal control and check mechanism, inadequate financial resources and

the time available for mobility to and fro the organization under research due

to distance among others.

1.8.0 Methodology of the Study

This study adopts a quantitative design to obtain data on local

government autonomy and grassroots democracy. The methods of data

collection are based on valuable instruments of cross evaluation and systematic

analysis of data.

1.8.1 Population of the Study

The target population of this study comprises of the entire population of

Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State numbering a total of 900. This

comprises of 8 management staff, 492 senior staff and 400 junior staff

respectively.

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1.8.2 Sample Size and Sampling Technique

Yamane’s (1962) formula was used to determine the sample size. It is

given by:

n = N
1 + N(e)2

Where: n = sample size

N = population size
e = number of precision 10%
N = 900
e = 10% = 9.1

n = 900
1 + 900(0.1)2
n = 900
1+9

n = 900 = 90
10

n = 90

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 The sample size of 90 participants represents the sample size of the

study. This comprises of 3 management 30 senior and 57 junior staff

respectively.

The participants were picked through a stratified random sampling

technique. This method sampling was based on rules of chance in the selection

of respondents.

1.8.3 Method of Data Collection

The research adopts both primary and secondary methods of data

collection.

The Primary Sources

These are first hand information and field collection of facts from

individuals through the use of questionnaire and interview.

i. Questionnaire: The use of questionnaire for this is to cover a large

number of respondents. The researcher uses only close-ended options

which provides respondents with guided choices such as

“Yes/No/Undecided”, “Strongly Agreed, Agreed, Strongly Disagreed,

Disagreed, Undecided.

ii. Oral Interview: The oral interview is administered for the purpose of

eliciting facts and reliable information from respondent who might not

have the time to answer the structured questions and; to collect more

17
 detailed and first hand information from top management and

administrative staff considered important for more detailed discussion

on certain issues connected with the research problems.

The secondary sources

These are materials obtain from empirical sources and exiting literature

on the subject matter of autonomy and grassroots development. This includes

textbooks, journals, magazines, newspapers and internet sources.

1.8.4 Instruments for Data Presentation and Analysis

For the purpose of this research, all data shall be presented in a tabular

form using simple percentage method which is expressed thus;

NR x 100
TR 1

Where:
NR = Number of Respondents
TR = Total respondents
100 = Percentage %
1 = Constant number

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1.9.0 Definition of Terms

Local Government: A government at the grassroots level exercised through

representative council, established by law to exercise specific

powers within its jurisdiction. These powers should give the

council substantial control over local affairs as well as the staff,

institutional and financial powers to initiate and direct the

provision of services at the grassroots.

Autonomy: A condition of self governance, devoid from external control or

influence. Local government should be at freedom to conduct its

own affairs including elections; mobilize its resources and control

its finances.

Democracy: The government exercised through elected representatives at the

grassroots. This includes the chairman, his deputy and elected

councilors who are charged with the responsibility of providing

essential services to the people. This practice is aimed at vesting

power in the hands of the people to conduct their own affair

without any form of interference from the state or federal

authorities.

19
 REFERENCES

Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999). Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria. Lagos: Federal Government Press.

Dalhatu, S. (2006). Essays on Local Governments Administration: Fostering

better service delivery, record keeping, accountability and empowerment
at the local government; Kano: Benchmark Publishers

Koni, I.J. (2016). The search for local government autonomy in Nigeria: Legal
and institutional pathways to its realization. Journal of sustainable
development, Ekiti: Afe Babalola University Press Vol. 7:2:2016.

Obi, N. (2013). Third tier question, Vanguard Online August 25, Available on
www.vanguard.com (Retrieve, July 20, 2017).

Odo, L.U. (2014). The Challenges of Local Government in Nigeria. Lapai:

IBB University Press.

Oladiran, A., Benedict, K. I. & Siyaka, M. (2015). Imperative of Local

Government Autonomy Question in Nigeria. Experience Since 1999 till
date. International Journal of Social Sciences. ISSN(e) 2224-4441.

Wheare, K.C. (1963). Federal Government. London: Oxford University Press.

20
 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter discusses the concept, theory and empirical clarification of

the subjects’ matter of local government autonomy and grassroots democracy.

The chapter is segmented into various sub-headings and scholarly views which

attempt to explain the political necessity, the extent to which power and

presence of government throughout a political system is justified for the

establishment of local government.

2.1 Conceptual Framework on Local Government

There exist some degrees of consensus among scholars on the meaning

of local government, though few definitions differ based on different socio-

cultural and political environments of scholars. According to Akunade (1985),

local government is essentially a form of devolution as opposed to

deconcentration, both being types of decentralization. Local government as a

form of devolution involves the legal conferring of powers to discharge

specified or residual functions upon formally constituted authorities. The

United Nations Office (UND) for Public Administration cited in Okunade

(1985) and Odo (2010:103), defined local government as “a political sub-

division of a nation (or in a federal system a state), which is constituted by law

and has substantial control of local affairs including the power to impose taxes

21
or to exert labour for prescribed purposes. The governing of such an entity is

elected or otherwise selected.

Robson (1949) defines local government as a territorial non-sovereign

community pressing the legal rights and the necessary organization to regulate

its own affairs. Awa (1981) sees local government as a political authority set

up by a nation or state as a subordinate authority for the purpose of dispersing

or decentralizing political power. Wraith, (1984) defines local government as

the act of decentralizing power, which may take the form of deconcentration or

devolution. Deconcentration involves delegation of authority to field units of

the same department and devolution on the other hand refers to a transfer of

authority to local government units of or statutory bodies e.g commission,

Board etc. from this perspective, Wraith (1984) stressed that local government

is a lesser power in the national polity. If is an administrative agency through

which control and authority relate to the people at the grassroots level or

periphery (quoted in Odo, 2010:103).

In the words of Attah (1997:6), “Local government is that tier of

government, closest to the people which is vested with certain power to

exercise over the affairs of the people in its domain”. He further supported his

definition with the guideline for the 1976 Local Government Reforms as a

government at the local level exercised through representative council,

22
established by law to exercise specific powers within defined areas. This

definition agrees that local government should be properly constituted body

with adequate powers to deliver goods and services to the people either

directly or by mobilizing the local inhabitants.

We can infer from the foregoing definitions that local government is

government at the lower or grassroots level with elected representatives having

some measure of powers or authority to generates revenue and undertake

assigned constitutional responsibilities within its jurisdiction so as to bring

about dividends of democratic governance to the local populace.

2.2 Local Government Autonomy

The conceptual interpretation of the term “local government autonomy”

is perceived as local self-government or grassroots democracy (Adeyemo,

2005). Grassroots democracy is primarily aimed at giving the vast majority of

the people the fullest opportunity to participate in determining their own

destiny. Nwabueze (1983) noted that autonomy under a federal system means

independence from the control of the other governments. In other words, it is

an autonomy, which requires not just the legal and physical existence of an

apparatus of government like a legislative assembly, the executive, the

judiciary etc. but each tier of government must exist not as an appendage of

another. Every level of government, federal, state and local government must

23
exist as an autonomous entity in the sense being able to exercise its own will in

the conduct of its affairs free from direction of another level of government.

Nwabueze (1983) asserted that autonomy would only be meaningful in a

situation where each level of government is constitutionally bound to accept

dictates or directives from another. He stressed that the autonomy of local

government under a federal system means that:

“Each government enjoys a separate existence and

independence from the control the other governments. It
is an autonomy, which require not just the legal and
physical existence of an apparatus of government like a
legislative assemble, governor or court, but that each
government must exist not as an appendage of another
but as autonomous entity in the sense of being able to
exercise its own will in the conduct of local affairs”.

Autonomy will be meaningful if and where each level of government is

not bound by the constitution to accept dictates or directives from another.

According to the centre for Democratic Studies, Abuja in Adeyemo (2005),

local government autonomy refers to the relative discretion, which local

governments enjoy in regulating their own affairs. That is, the extent to the

relative discretion, which local governments enjoy in regulating their own

affairs. That is, the extent to which local government is free from the control of

state and federal governments in the management of local affairs.

Davey (1991) argued that local government autonomy is primarily

concerned with the question of responsibilities, resources and discretion

24
conferred on the local authorities. It is thus, presumed that local government

must possess the power to take decisions over its internal affairs independent

of external control within the limits of power laid down by law. Similarly,

local governments must garner sufficient resources particularly of finance to

meets their responsibilities. However, it is obvious that there cannot be

absolute autonomy or absolute local self-government within a sovereign state.

If local governments were completely autonomous they would be sovereign

states (Odo 2010:105). Thus local government autonomy in the context of

Nigerian state simply means the relative independence of local government

from control by both the state and federal government.

Odoh (1991) defines autonomy in the context of local government

administration as the ability and capacity of local governments to act towards

defined goals. Indeed, local government autonomy refers to the relating

discretion, which local governments enjoy in regulating their own affairs. The

goal-value of local self-government is to give the majority of the people the

opportunity to participate in the political process in which they determine their

own development. However, there cannot be absolute local government

autonomy due to the interdependence of the three tiers of government. Thus,

local government autonomy connotes relative’s independence. Though local

government is said to be non sovereign that does not preclude autonomy in its

25
sphere of authority, the issue of autonomy is therefore, fundamental to the

efficiency and effectiveness of the local government in its service delivery

functions to ensure grassroot democracy is achieved.

The ultimate implication for the autonomy of local governments in

Nigeria has been that even when central government concedes increased

autonomy to local governments; it is more often directed autonomy. However,

as Bello-Iman (1996) posits the feature of where series of measures were

systematically initiated by the Federal Government to resist central

intervention to monitoring and evolution in order to ensure that previously set

standards are met.

2.3 Local Government Autonomy in Historical Perspective

The struggle for local government autonomy in Nigeria has been a

perennial problem, way back to the colonial period (Odo, 2014:105). In the

1950s for example various reforms such as the Northern Nigeria Local

Govenrment Law; the Western and Eastern Nigeria local government laws of

1954 respectively, predicated at democratizing local government

administration were initiated by the regional governments. However, despite

these attempts, the regions had overwhelming control over local governments.

This had remained the pattern up to 1976 when the nationwide local

government reforms was introduced. Thus, in the forward to the Federal

26
Government Guidelines for the 1976 Local Government Reforms, it was

remarked that the stage governments had continued to encroach upon what

would have been the exclusive preserve of local governments. The 1976 Local

Government Reforms bestowed on the local governments the power of

grassroots governance and local governments were formally recognized as the

third tier of government in Nigeria. This was subsequently embodied in the

1979 constitution. Despite this statutory provision, successive administrations

in the country have continued to undermine the autonomy of the local

governments (Odo, 2014:106).

Paradoxically, military regimes have tried more to give local

governments their rightful position through the revitalization and restructuring

of the local governments their rightful position through the revitalization and

restructuring of the local government system in the country. For instance, the

scrapping of the state ministries of local government throughout the country

consequent upon the recommendation of the 1988. Dasuki Report on Local

Government under Babangida military government, led to the removal of the

political control and bureaucratic red-tapism created by the ministries in the

functional performance of local governments. Also, the election into the local

government councils in December, 1987 was in attempt to restore democracy

to the grassroots since the last election into the local councils in 1976 expired

27
in December, 1979. Other efforts made by the Military towards local

government autonomy were the approved scheme of service for local

government employees in 1988; the direct disbursement of funds to local

government to forestall the hijacking of funds of the local governments by

state governments; as well as the increased statutory allocation to local

governments from 10-15% in 1990; and from 1990; and from 15-20% in 1992

(Out, 2001) in Odo (2014:106).

These measures were to enhance financial autonomy and regular sources

of revenue and by implication, the viability of local governments in Nigeria.

To address the executive capacity of the local governments, these federal

universities were designated for the training of middle and upper level

manpower for the local governments in Nigeria. The three universities were

Amadu Bello University, Zaria; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and

University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Federal Government made substantial

amount of money as grants to these universities. This was to improve the

performance of local government councils across the country through human

capacity building for enhanced autonomy of the local governments. (Odo,

2014:106).

28
2.4 Rationale for Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria

Several reasons have been advanced for local government autonomy in

Nigeria. The essence is to allow the local government specific powers to

perform a range of functions assigned it by law and to perform array of

functions, plan formulate and execute its own policies programmes and

projects, and its own rules and regulations as deemed for its local needs

(Agunyai, Ebirim and Odeyemi, 2013:34-35).

This autonomy includes power to control its finance, recruit and

discipline its staff. It is premised on the ground that when local government

has power to take decisions on its own as regarding its finance, service to the

local people in grassroots politics then, a sense of belonging is likely to be

evoked from the local people. It is also sought for, and designed to lessen, if

not avert, the belligerent state encroachment and the use of unelected leaders

(care-taker committee) to govern the local government that has characterized

Nigeria’s democratic systems. This is well laid out as one of the issue to be

address on the then constitutional amendment in the country. (Agunyai, Ebirim

and Odeyemi 2013:35).

However, it is imperative to state that a close look at the local

government autonomy as articulated in the different legal documents reveals

that it is not foreseen to have under its realm total removal of state control over

29
local government and its finance as the constitution specifically gave the power

to create local government according to the established laws to the state. This

is accentuated by the fact that the issue of allowing unelected leaders to govern

the local government, for the purpose of relegating to the background the

utility of local government autonomy, has always been on such areas as

“finance”, “corruption” and conflicting sources of revenue between state and

local government”. It is further reinforced by the fact that, in its

implementation, some of these form the basis of the objections and oppositions

to the approval of local government autonomy in the then constitutional

amendment at the National Assembly. One other reason for local government

autonomy is rural or grassroots development, local government is closer to the

people at the grassroots and when local councils have the powers of their own

without any overbearing interference from the state, they could implement

decisions or policies that will enhance rural transformation without having to

wait for the state which in most cases focus mainly on the state development

and neglecting the grassroots areas. In Nigeria, there are conspicuous case by

observations and news report on (National Dailies) that the money meant for

rural development and provision of social services for people at the grassroots

have been diverted and mismanaged by the state Governors (Agunyai, Ebirim

and Odeyemi, 2013:36). Local government autonomy will make local councils

30
to have direct access to their finance with which to implement policies and

decisions that will promote grassroots development in Nigeria.

Thus, even though the local government autonomy is, in part, designed

to deal with the problem of state’s excessive control and encroachment in local

policies, it is not focused on absolute and total autonomy for the local councils.

The question then arises as to whether the local councils. The question then

arises as to whether the autonomy of local councils can be rightly used to

address the problem of excessive politicking by the state in local politics.

2.5 Overbearing Powers of State Governments over Local

Governments in Nigeria.

The 1999 constitution by its provision in section 7 and 8 recognize the

local government as third tier of government and also guarantee it, but gives

the state the autonomy to lord over the local government. Section 7 reads

jointly with section 8 provides that:

“There shall be the system of local government by

democratically elected councils (which) is by this
constitution guaranteed and accordingly the government
of every state shall, subject to section 8 of this
constitution … ensure their existence under a law which
provides for the establishment, structure, composition,
finance and functions of such councils.”

The implication of these provisions is that local government cannot

exercise the functions assigned to it in section 1 schedule 4 of the constitution

until the State House of Assembly had passed a law. The same fourth schedule

31
of the constitution also provides for “the functions of the local government

council to also include participation of such council in government of a state as

in respect of the following matters – education, agricultural materials

resources, healthcare and any other function assigned to it by the State House

of Assembly (Asaju, 2010) in (Agunyai, Ebirim and Odeyemi, 2013:36).

Contrary to section 7 and 8 of the 1999 constitution which guarantee a

system of local government with democratically elected officials in the

country, state governors have retained the tradition of controlling the affairs of

the third tier government through caretaker committees. This practice of

running the affairs of local governments through appointed committees which

remains operational in about 24 of the 36 states of the federation has been

largely blamed for lack of sustainable development at the grassroots level in

the country. The only reason dividends of democracy and development have

not trickled down to the grassroots level in Nigeria is due to the way the

leadership and resources of local governments are hijacked by the state

governors (Akpa, 2013).

32
 It is imperative to note that some states in Nigeria have overbearing

powers over local governments. In explaining the extent of state encroachment

in Nigeria, Obeche contends that:

“From Anambra where council election has not been held since 1998 to

Nassarawa State where the governor is empowered by the state law to appoint

caretaker committees in place of democratically elected officials to Imo where

sacked elected council officials are still locked in a legal battle for their

reinstatement, the story has remained the same: hijack of council resources.

Even in Lagos State where elected officials are at the helm of affairs, tele-

guide the activities of the councils”.

Obviously, the above premise shows that local governments in Nigeria

are nothing but mere storage of the state governments who have adopted every

trick to stop the local governments from having democratically elected leaders

selected by the people rather than care-taker committees who are rather

appointees of the state, (Davey , 1991). To buttress this fact Nwabueze (1983)

in Ugwu (2001), had observed that the constitutional power to establish local

government, define its structure, composition and functions, belong to the state

governments. To them, as far as it is so, the local government is a mere state

agency or a creation of the state government. It would therefore be erroneous

to see it as an independent third tier of government. As such, the issue of

33
autonomy of local government becomes a myth and not a reality. But it is

important to note that there have been growing demands from the members of

the public to free the local councils from the shackles of the state governments’

chains and grant them autonomy (Awotokun and Adeyemo, 1999). This view

was corroborated by Obede when he argued that:

“Reacting to the growing public outcry over the hijack of

local government administration in many states across
the country, the House of Representatives in a
unanimous decision on May 17, 2012 proscribed the
practice, declaring it as illegal and its place in recent
time has approved local government autonomy”.

It is important to note that from the above statement that the lawmakers

had resolved that the caretaker system of governance is alien and unknown to

the 1999 constitution (as amended) and directed the governors of the affected

states to promptly conduct council polls and transfer power to elected chairmen

and councilors (Channel News on National Assembly Sessions). Obeche

reveals that twenty five of the thirty six states in the country have openly used

inordinate tricks and unlawful schemes to avoid conducting local government

election in their states.

The usurpation of Local Government functions and revenue sources by

State Government is another serious area eroding the autonomy of the Local

Government. More often than not, parallel revenue boards, through the states

unwittingly usurp and erode the revenue yielding areas the local government.

34
It is not uncommon to see such Boards to include market, motor parks,

building plan approvals and forest royalty collection fund (Adeyemo, 2005).

Moreover, political instability that strongly manifested in the polity is among

the militating factors against autonomy of the Local Government. This is due

to the changing and swinging of political pendulum that oscillates between

Sole-Administratorship to Caretaker Committee System and the elected

government (Adeyemo, 2005).

This was however scuttled in quick succession arising from the fact that

there was no stable political system that could endure political socialization

and actualization to germinate, and nurture the orientation for global

acceptance. The most favoured system was the sole-administratorship that

further ceded the Local Government to state control and erodes its autonomy

(Oyelakin, 1992 in Adeyemo, 2005). It is important to point out that the drive

towards local government autonomy has gained more momentum and force in

the House of Representatives. Not only do the issue now occupy top agenda in

their sessions of meetings, the issue has also been bolstered over the media.

This suggests some gains in the effort to achieve greater local government

autonomy. The greatest obstacle to this move is the state government (Inulah,

2013).

35
2.6 Theoretical Underpinning of Local Government

This research work is central to three basic theories, these theories are

encapsulated in what is referred to as models or approaches to grassroots

democracy. They include: Democratic-participatory school; The Efficiency

Service School; and the Developmental School. These theories or models

underpin the existence of local government and shall serve as explanatory

framework for the establishment, purpose, function, and philosophy of local

government which are tied down to the puzzling issue of autonomy.

2.6.1 Democratic Participatory School

Central to this school of thought is the concept and practice of

democracy. This school holds that local governments exist to bring about

democracy and to afford the citizens the opportunities for political

participation, training in the art of self government and for political education

and socialization (Adeyemo, 2011:16; Ola, 1984:18).

Ani (2013:8) notes in this respect that the concept of local government

involves a philosophical commitment to democratic participation in the politics

and governing process at the grassroots level. Adeyemo (2011:21) points out

further that there usually exists the opportunity in democracies for politicians

especially parliamentarians, to move from local politics to state or national

politics.

36
 In essence, local governments do not only offer opportunities for

political participation. Joan and Rupak (2008:33) contend that the proper

practice of democracy is maximized when people at the grassroots are

empowered to elect their own representatives and are able to hold them

accountable.

They further note that the degree of democratization of local government

invariably affects the prospect of enhanced state or national democratic

governance. Horste (2008:51) contends in this direction that democracy needs

to begin at the local government level and if democratic structures and values

are not established at this level, they would be missed elsewhere too.

Again, accountability, transparency and effective representation as basic

attributes of democracy, are realizable, in greater measures, at the local

government level. Indeed, the fundamental desire to express distinctive

identifies through smaller, directly accountable self political units able to give

expression to the immediate local needs of people Joan and Rupak, 2008:41).

Nico (2008:20) too express this imperative clearly thus: “Local self

governance plays critical role in enhancing democracy… It brings government

closer to the people through both representative and participatory democracy

37
and allows for the deepening of democracy by facilitating the participation of

minorities and disadvantaged groups.

Oviasuyi and Dada (2010:66) contend in this direction that participation

of the citizens in governance particularly those at the grassroots areas is more

readily affected within the framework of the local government. Sharpe

(1970:163) contends that local governments serves as a political educator and

as a means of socializing the citizens into politics through the medium of self

government as the specifically argues thus:

“It is only by participating in and learning the arts of self government at

the local government that the individual had a stake in and come to appreciate

the virtues of free government at the national level”.

2.6.2The Efficiency Service School

The central point of the efficiency service model is that the primary

purpose of the local Govenrment systems is to provide social services such as

law and order to local needs, primary education, sanitation and others

efficiently (Chukwuemeka 2014:86). According to Kaffe and Kaffe and

Karkee (2003:111) the core argument of the efficient – service delivery school

is that local governments exist to help to ensure efficient service delivery.

The leading advocate of efficient service school William Mackenzie

cited in Adeyemo (2010:21; Chukwuemeka, 2014:17) notes that service

delivery to the local people is expected to preoccupy the resources, power and

38
time of the local government. The proponents of the efficient service argue that

all is well even if there is less democratic participation in the governance

process as long as the local or grassroots people get efficient services from the

local government.

Sharpe (1970:168) in this respect notes thus: Whereas

the value of local government as a bulwark of liberty or
at least as a handmaiden of democracy has been
recognized, its role as an agency for providing services
has evoked no comparable enthusiasm.
Generally, the argument by the efficient service school is that local

government because of its closeness to an area can provide certain services

more efficiently than the state or central government. According to Eboh and

Diejomaol (2010:102), local governments worldwide are considered as

strategic institutions for the provision of basic socio-economic environment

and other services. Their strategic vantage proximity to the grassroots makes

them valuable and viable for providing effective and efficient services required

by the community.

Chukwuemeka, (2014:48) posits that; “It is, to a large extent, the zeal

and need to reposition the local government for greater and more efficient

service delivery that perhaps provided the impetus and imperative for the

various local government reforms, in most political systems. In Nigeria, for

instance, there have been various local government reforms to strengthen the

39
capacity of the local governments to delivery services efficiently and

effectively to the local and grassroots people.

2.6.3 The Developmental School

The position of this school is that local governments, particularly in the

developing world, are effective agents for improving the means of living

socially and economically (Adeyemo, 2011:55). As well, local governments

constitute reliable basis for the local or grassroots people to get a better share

in national wealth. Specifically, the developmental functions of the local

government include nation-building, socio-economic and manpower resource

development. Local government transforms centrally generated revenue

allocated to them into infrastructural development.

Thus, local governments serve as veritable tool partners with the states

and national government in national development issues as units of

development efforts, resources and benefits percolate to the grassroots (Oluwo,

1991).

Again, decentralization or devolution of governmental powers to the

local government affords the opportunity of participation in the development

process to the local or grassroots people. With decentralization, the creative

energy of the people can be harnessed. It also offers the opportunity for

innovation and experimentation to the sub-national units (Nico, 2008:11).

40
Innovative policies and practices in one local government maybe modified and

replicated in others as well as adopted by the state or national government.

Nico (2008:12) notes that allowing space to different entities not bound by a

simple one-size-fit –all approach, decentralized decision making makes it

possible for local government to experiment with innovative ideas. Ola

(1988:44) noted that the existence of local government helps in decongesting

government at the centre thereby freeing national leaders from onerous details

and unnecessary involvement in local issues.

Maddick (1963:24) notes this need for instituting local government in

his commend thus: Local authorities provide the opportunity for local people to

participate in local decisions and local schemes within the general national

policies and to act above all, as local centres of initiative and development.

Indeed, the expectation is that local governments being closer to the

people and, as such, being better aware of the local needs of the people are in

position to initiate and execute local projects and programmes and motivate

people to actively participate in public affairs (Saalah, 2011).

Tony (2011:92) argued that from the foregoing, the basic need for the

creation of local government is development. This is because the role of

41
enhancing democratic participation and delivery of efficient and effective

social services are ultimately development oriented (Tony, 2011:92). They all

indeed are targeted at improving the social or economic lives of the grassroots

or local people.

2.6.4 Application of the Theories to the Study

The expediency of the theories above cannot be over-emphasized putting

into perspective the roles the play in grassroots democracy. The democratic

participatory theory for instance indicates that once local governments are

allowed to conduct their own affairs, that is, when they are autonomous,

citizens will have the opportunity for participation hence breeding a ground for

future a state political giants who would be great and visionary leaders in the

near future. Similarly, the democratic school are of the opinion democracy is

maximized when people at the grassroots are empowered to elect their

representatives. This assertion contrasts the systemthat is in practice across

local governments in Nigeria where caretaker committee chairmen are

appointed by state governors to oversee the affairs of the local government as

against the wishes as aspirations of the people. This practice is antithetical, to

democratic principles and ideologies. If indeed democracy should begin from

the grassroots as posited by Horste (2008:51), it goes without saying that

42
appointed of caretaker committees to conduct the affairs of local governments

render their autonomy ineffective.

Furthermore, from the standpoint of the efficiency service delivery, it

can be applied that people in the grassroots enjoy dividends of democracy

when social services are at their disposal. When people are denied basic

necessities of life, in the grassroots, there will be increasing cases of rural-

urban migration thereby rendering local institutions ineffective and little to be

desired. From the perspective of this school it can be said that once basic

necessities of life are at the disposal of the grassroots people, the rate of brain-

drain will be curtailed drastically.

Lastly, this study can be articulated with mix perspective of the

developmental school which asserts that the grassroots is the epicenter by

which national resources are distributed to ensure even development. Aside

this, local governments are a microcosm that ensure the functionality of the

whole due to the fact that local resources are mobilized, harnessed distributed

at this level of governance. Therefore the relevance of local government as

regards grassroots democracy cannot be over-stressed.

2.7 Empirical Review

The study conducted by Ebohon, Osemwota and Agbebaku (1999) on

the subject matter of autonomy and local capacity: An Analysis of the

43
performance profile of Edo State Local Government Councils (June 1999 to

December, 2006) posited that the concept of local government autonomy has

been treated with levity and political coloration over the years. Other than the

issue of autonomy, they added that there has been doubts as to the quality of

rural development projects, the costs of those projects and the quality of

financial management that may not predispose the project to abandonment. Not

even one local government had professionally qualified staff to for instance

handle key areas like the treasury department. They concluded with the

assertion that the gap between bureaucratic appropriation and capital

appropriation in as well as that of capital appropriation between internally

generated revenue and statutory allocation as inputs into the systems total

revenue and expenditure profiles tell little story because the percentage of

waste built into capital projects and the cost of collecting internal revenue are

not easily discernable.

On the subject of “the politics of Local Government Autonomy in

Nigeria Reloaded” Akpan and Ekanem (2013) in their study opine that ample

evidence of statutory policies introduced by successive governments over the

years to curb local government autonomy inspite of the constitution which

recognized local government as the third tier of government is an evidence that

local governments across the country are not autonomous. They argued that the

44
kind of autonomy the local government via the constitution is largely

determined by the nature and character of the politics of the state. This

explains why political elites at the federal and state levels are at war with each

other over who controls the affairs of the local government.

Hassan, Roberts, Joy (2013) wrote on “Local Government Service

Delivery in Nigeria: An Empirical comparison of Government Efforts and the

people’s expectations” posit that efficiency and effectiveness in terms of

service delivery in the local government has been a bane of development in the

grassroots. They went further to say that the justification for the continuous

existence of local government has been defeated especially with regards to

efficient and effective performance. They however agreed that local

government remains the most popular form of decentralization in public

governance.

Imhanlahimi (2011) on “local government autonomy and development

of localities in Nigeria: Issues problems and suggestions” pointed out that the

twin relationship of local government autonomy and service delivery is not in

sync with the realities on ground in terms of concrete grassroots development.

This is to him, highly hinged on inadequate autonomy especially in vital areas

such as staff and institutional management and development as well as

financial matters. The major challenges confronting local government

45
autonomy include structural, operational, financial, patron/godfather pressure,

unstable democracy and corruption. These problems according to Imhanlahimi

are some of the challenges undermining grassroots democracy in Nigeria.

The study conducted on local government autonomy: A veritable tool

for redressing usurpation of powers of local governments by the state

governments in Nigeria by Agunyai, Ebirim and Odeyemi (2003) shows that

the justification for local government autonomy is bestow local government

with specific powers to perform a range of functions assigned it by law and to

formulates and execute its policies. They argued that the overbearing powers

of the state governments over local councils have had significant negative

impact on the backwardness of the local government councils in terms of

meaningful and sustainable development at the grassroots flitting the pendulum

in outrageous subjugation and oppression of the local government apparatus by

the state government.

Ebiziem and Franca (2015) conducted a study on “an appraisal of the

autonomy of local government as a precondition for national development”

maintained that local government as the nearest government to the people is

expected to play a frontier role to the National Development of the country.

They however insist that granting of local government autonomy is the

precondition for socio-economic grassroots development.

46
 In the light of the discussion on autonomy question Awofeso (2004)

quoting Nwabueze asserts that each government enjoys a separate existence

and independence within constitution limits to be distinct and devoid from the

control of the other governments. It is autonomy which requires not just the

legal and physical existence of an apparatus of government like a legislative

assembly, governor, courts etc., but that each government must exist not as an

appendage of another government, but as autonomous entity in the sense of

being able to exercise its own will in the conduct of its affairs free from

direction of another government.

Supporting this view, Davey (1991) also averred that local autonomy is

primarily concerned with the question of responsibilities; resources and

discretion conferred on the responsibility are at the core of local government.

This presumes that local government must possess the power to take decisions

independent of its external control within the limits laid down by law.

Quoting copiously, Awofeso (2004), it appears that the military regimes

air more committed to the task of enhancing the autonomous status of our

experience of local government administration in Nigeria till date and not

proved otherwise. This fact was attested to by William Graf in the following

words:

47
 “In Nigeria a contract at least, grassroots federalism has so far fared

better under military government, perhaps in part confirming that a secure,

more or less legitimate central authority is a pre-requisite to effective

decentralization at the base”.

However, it was noted that that the very first attempt at making local

government autonomy after the 1950’s experiment in the Southern Nigeria was

in 1976. The provision that the local government authorities should be entitled

to a fixed share of national revenue and certain percentages from the state

revenue by the 1976 guidelines on local government reforms was an attempt to

move local government towards a direction for future financial autonomy.

On the other hand, we can argue on the contrary that financial autonomy

presupposes an independent, source and control over all local resources, a

situation which the reform never move for the existence of regular statutory

financial allocation from higher authorities stand the opportunity of making

local government economically viable. Furthermore, the 1979 constitution,

following the 1976 local government as the third tier of government. Thus in

the words of William Graf, “Both fiscal and political autonomy were formally

ranted first by decrees, then by the constitution.

2.8 Quest for Local Government Autonomy and Grassroots Democracy

48
 The concept of grassroots democracy is not a negation of the concept of

democracy as wrongly posited in some quarters. As a matter of fact, grassroots

democracy is has two way analytical expression, namely, philosophical and

structural, both of which are directly connected with liberal democracy

(Owosefo and Afolabi, 2000:174).

Philosophically, grassroots democracy implies an ideal and acceptable

democratic practices congruent with the people’s culture and social values in a

popular environment, and akin to what the centre for democracy in Nigeria

describes as “indigenous democracy”. In this regard, Muggenyi (1988:78)

sounds a note of warning:

Democracy, like any other political style, must be

adjusted to the conditions of the countries that choose to
practice it. Such conditions are complex and diverse.
And the countries which opt for democracy are under no
obligation to adopt a peculiar version of it. Some of the
tenants of democracy may fit may countries, but it is
unlikely that they could fit all countries in the same
way”.

Structurally, democratic value (such as liberty, accountability, equality,

etc) are practices (such as separation of powers such as checks and balances) in

a full blown democracy find their way to the grassroots by some kind of

structural arrangement or reformation which links levels of government the

federal state and local in a complex whole, for instance, before the 1991 local

government reform which extended presidentialism to the local government in

49
Nigeria, presidential system of government was restricted only to the federal

and state governments, posing the autonomy question. The extension of

presidentialism and the principle of separation of power to local government

helped to enhance democratic values at the grassroots.

A major theoretical exposition on which the existence of local

government have been justified was its ability to enhance grassroots

democracy through popular participation, effective accountability and

representation.

Many scholars have elaborately theorized the relationship between local

government autonomy and grassroots democracy. Notable among such

scholars is Mill (1975) who justified the existence of local government on

three major grounds.

First is the issue of common interest shared by a section of the

community which might be alien to non members. Emphasis on this is stressed

on the imperativeness of political representation via periodic election of

chairmen and councilors by the local people themselves. Marrying this with

the subject matter of autonomy, once the local government is given the

autonomy to mobilize its resources and conduct its own affairs including

election, grassroots democracy will be deeply rooted. The chairman and

50
members of council must reflect local representation, who must share of

community aspirations.

The second ground on which the existence of local government was

justified by mill is that local government provides political education, which

according to Charles Wilson, is a function of participation. This implies that

participation in local government affords political education and by extension

in the views of Mackenzie (1961) among others constitutes a training ground

for national politicians.

Local government is argued affords the opportunity for a greater number

of people who could not participate in national politics, for one reason or the

other to participate in politics at least, at the grassroots. Such level of

participation could be in form election of the representatives, contesting for

election, occupying political or party offices and contributing direct or

indirectly to the process of decision-making at the grassroots.

The third ground on which the existence of local government was

justified by Will is that local government enhances accountability. Local

officials (councilors and chairmen inclusive) are susceptible to local control

and easily held accountable for their actions while in office by local voters

because of the short lines of communication that exist between them, and the

51
very fact that local officials depend on the electorate support to retain their

political offices (Owosefo and Afolabi, 2000:176).

Attempts in democratizing local government in Nigeria since

independence till date, appear to witness a tragic history of democratic ups and

downs. By this we mean to say that the inputs of successive administrations

both during and after colonialism to ensure democratic practice at the

grassroots are yet to fully elicit behavioural attitudinal disposition which are

congruent to democratic ethos to actually justify these efforts.

Needless to reiterate here the attempts made by successive

administration at democratizing grassroots government as earlier demonstrated

in various reforms and granting them autonomy 1950s in the Southern Nigeria,

the 1976, 1984, 1988, and 1991 local government reforms, it is interesting to

know that these efforts were either short-lived, aborted or manipulated by

those who were suppose to practice these ideals. This goes to confirm the

popular truism that, no matter how good or efficient an imported structure or

an ideology looks, it is people that would make it work. In this regard, it

appears that the quest for local government autonomy and grassroots

democracy in Nigeria had witnessed a catalogue of democratic failure to the

52
extent that democratic, deals such as political representation, popular

participation and accountability are still battling hard to survive.

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CHAPTER THREE: EVOLUTION OF AREA OF STUDY

3.1 Historical Review of Bassa Local Government Area

Bassa local Government Area is located north of Plateau State in

Nigeria. It shares boundaries with Kaura and Lere Local Government of

Kaduna state in the south west and to the north by Toro local Government

Area in Bauchi state. It also shares boundaries with Jos-north and Jos-south of

56
the state. Bassa Local Government Area covers an area approximately 1,743

square kilometers with a population of about 186,859 (2006 census).

Bassa Local Government Area has it headquarter at Jebbu Bassa, where

the 3rd Armoured Division Maxwel Kolbe Army Barrack, Pengana, Rukuba

and Irigwe chiefdoms. Major ethnic group and Rukuba. Other minor tribes

include Janji, Gurum, Gus etc. Major towns include Maingo, Kwall, Jengre,

Jebbu Bassa, Mista-ali, Kissaloi, Zagun, Fuskan-mata etc.

The local government area has temperate climate with two season-rainy

and dry seasons which fall from March to October and from November to

February of each year respectively. It is an extremely cold between December

and January. There is an agrarian economy. It main agricultural product are

maize, millet, rice, Irish potatoes. Other crops include vegetables such as

cabbage, carrots, pepper, tomatoes are widely grown etc.

Bassa L G A enjoy the presence of tourist center and potential resort

such as Rukuba escarpment, Dutse kura hills, Miango Evergreen Forest,

Zungbu falls and the Nagal chuwa rock stand out with host of other places of

interest.

The area also enjoys the presence of industries such as Mitchel Farm

Ltd, and Pioneer Milling Company, Zallaki, a subsidiary of the Jos

57
International Brewery Plc, the Nigeria Mining Corporation and a Hydro-Power

Station (NESCO).

Worthy of mention is the standard Jengre market, banks that improve

economic and social services respectively. This brought tremendous economic

impact on the state. There number of clubs and guest houses, good access road,

mining activities in commercial quality, NNPC Depot and host of other but

few to mention.

3.2 Objectives of Local Government

The objective of Bassa Local Government includes the following:
a. Planning, controlling and organization of resources for the attainment of
set goals.
b. Policy formulation and implementation at the grass root level.
c. Training and development of employees for efficient work performance.
d. Accountability in the management of resources.
e. Execution of policies through identified administrative structure.
f. High maintenance of existing infrastructure, etc.

3.3 Functions ofthe Local Government of Departments

The Local Government consists of seven departments which are as

follows;

1. Personnel Management Department

2. Agriculture and Natural Resources Department

58
3. Works, Land and Survey Department

4. Finance and Supplies Department

5. Health and Medical Services Department

6. Social Services Department

7. Budget, Research and Statistics Department

Personnel Management Department

i. In-charge of all recruitments and selections process of junior staff (from

Grade Level 01-06) in the local government

ii. Advice the council on the policy matters and implementation of the

council’s decisions relating to personnel matters.

iii. Liaise with the local government agencies on matters affecting the

career progression, discipline, promotion, transfer, welfare and other

matters affecting the local government staff.

iv. Liaise with the local government services commission in coordinating

training activities of the council staff.

v. Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the council,

FGPC and the chairman.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Department

i. Routine manual work in an agricultural extension site and rural

development activities.

59
ii. Performing agricultural and rural development services in the local

government

iii. Keeping records and writing reports on agricultural and rural

development activities in a particular locality in the local government

area.

iv. Collecting data or information required for research and other

agricultural and rural development purposes.

v. Supervising all agricultural and rural development activities in the local

government area.

Works Land and Housing Department

i. In charge of arts and crafts in the local government area.

ii. In charge of buildings, town planning and demolishing of illegal

structures and architectural duties.

iii. In charge of estate and land evaluation as well road overseers.

iv. Firefighting, electrical and technical/mechanical works or duties in the

local government area.

v. Perform the duty of draughtsman tracing plans and carryout

accompanying application.

Finance and Supplies Department

60
i. Ensure that accounting system as laid down in the revised financial

memoranda for the local governments are complied with by all the

departments of the local government.

ii. Preparing and publishing monthly and annual financial statement of the

local government area.

iii. In charge of payment of salaries and allowances of both the political

class and the staff of the council.

iv. Prepare payment vouchers, payroll of staff and the political class.

Health and Medical Services Department

i. Coordinates all primary health care activities in the local government

area.

ii. Supervises all areas involving the provision of primary health care at the

local government area.

iii. Serve as the health adviser of the local government area

iv. Ensures that primary health care activities as laid down in the plan are

complied with.

v. Publish monthly and annual health statement of the local government

area.

vi. Liaises with other agencies and non-governmental organization on

issues relating to health in the local government.

61
vii. Perform such other related duties as may be assigned to the department.

Social Services Department

i. Collecting and classifying data on matters relating to social welfare in

the council.

ii. Organizing rehabilitation and emergency relief services.

iii. Undertaking basic social welfare research programme.

iv. Taking responsibility for the activities and organization of Nigeria’s

children day.

v. Organizing seminars and conferences for the youth organizations.

vi. Serving as secretary to any of the following bodies

a. Emergency relief agency;

b. Advisory committee for the blind,

c. Advisory committee for social welfare; and

d. Committee for rehabilitation of disabled

e. Advising the local government on social welfare and community

development policies and programmes.

Budget, Research and Statistics Department

This department is a new department. It is made up of planning and

computer units. It is saddle with the responsibility of preparing rolling plan,

conducting of economic and budgeting analysis, subsector policy formulation

62
as well as collection processing analyzing and presenting statistical data among

many other vital functions.

3.4 Achievement of Bassa Local Government

Bassa local government has achieved tremendously in the following

areas:

1. Thelocal government through the collaborative effort of the state

government has been able to influencethe construction of 5 kilometre

roadto the locality inthe recent past.

2. It has been able to empower the youth through organizing and

participating in sporting activities/local leagues. Through this

magnificent efforts,Bassa United was able to reach the finals in 2017

Governor's cup. Although they did not emergewinner,the only lost out to

Jos North through Penalties.

3. Through public/private partnership,the local government is able to

promote arts and culture by organizing cultural festivals across the

length and breadth of the locality thereby fostering the spirit of

cooperation and unity among various ethnic divides.

4. Another remarkable achievement of the local government is that it

promotes agricultural activities by providing loan,fertilizer, insecticides

63
 and other farming implements to farmers through the collaborative effort

of the state government in its "Anchor Borrower" scheme.

5. It has distributed over two mosquito treated netsto different households

within its boundaries and was able to administer polio, missles, and

meningitis vaccines to the locals of the area.

6. Finally, the local government was able to train its citizensby establishing

vocational trainingcentres for skills like tailoring, masonry, baking, to

mention a few.

64
 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Base on the research conducted on the"quest for localgovernment

autonomy on grassroots democracy," information gathered is presented in a

Tabular form using Yamane (1962) formula. A total of 90 questionnaires were

distributed to the population of Bassa Local Government Council and were

filled and returned for analysis. The tables are segmented into personal data

and the analytical data of respondents.

4.2 ANALYSIS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

RESPONDENTS' PERSONAL DATA

Table 1: Demographic profile of Respondent

Responses Frequency Percentage

Male 63 70
Female 27 30
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

This table shows that the percentage of male is 70% while that of the

females is 30%. It indicates that more male gender responded to questionnaires

than female.

Table 2: Redistribution ofRespondents Marital Status

65
 Responses Frequency Percentage
Married 34 37.8
Single 56 62.8
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

This table shows that the singles are 62.8% while the married are 37.8%.

This indicates that more singles attended to the questionnairethan the married.

Table 3: Respondent'sAgeDistribution

Responses Frequency Percentage

20-25years 18 20
26-30years 39 43.3
31-35years 12 13.3
36-40years 14 15.6
41years& above 7 7.8
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

The table shows that 20% of the population is 20-25 years, 43.3% is

between the ages of 26-30 years, 13.3% are between the ages of 31-35years,

and 15.6% are between the ages of 36-40 years while 41years and above is

7.8%. This proves that majority of the sample frame is between 26-30 years.

Table 4:Redistributionof Educational Qualification of Respondents

Responses Frequency Percentage

OND/NCE 35 38.9
B.Sc/HND 47 52.2
Professional Qualification 8 8.9
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

66
 The table shows that the NCE/OND holders are 38.9%, HND/B.Sc

holders are 52.2%, while Professional qualification holders are 8.9%. This

indicates that more HND/B.SC holders attended to the questionnaire

Table 5:Respondent's Length of experience/service

Responses Frequency Percentage

1-5years 61 67.8
10years 17 18.9
15years 12 13.3
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

The table shows that people with 1-5 years‟ experience are 67.8%, 6-10

years‟ experience are 18.9%, while 11-15 years experience people are 8.9%. It

implies that more staff with 1-5 years experience attended more to the

questionnaire.

Table6:Responses on whether LocalGovernment influences Grassroots

democracy.

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 79 87.8
No 11 12.1
TOTAL 90 100%
Source: Field survey, 2017

67
 Table6 aboveshowsthat 79 respondents representing 87.8% agreed by

saying yes that local government should be autonomous, 11 respondents

representing 12.1% disagreed with the assertion by saying no.

From the above fact, it is obvious that majority of the respondents

agreed that the local government should be allowed to enjoy its own autonomy

like other levels of government.

Table 7:Impactofinter-governmentalrelationsandautonomy

Responses Frequenc Percentag

y e
Increasesgrassrootsdemocracy 13 14.4
MakesLGmorefinanciallyviable 20 22.2
Stifleslocalgovernmentprocess 37 41.1

ImprovesefficiencyandeffectivenessofLocalGovern 14 15.5
ment
Undecided 6 6.7
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

In table 7 above, the question onImpactofinter-

governmentalrelationsandautonomy generated the following responses:13

respondents representing 14.4% saidit Increasesgrassrootsdemocracy, 20

respondents representing22.2% saidit makesLocal

Governmentmorefinanciallyviable,37respondents representing 41.1%

68
saiditstiflesgovernmentprocess, 14 Respondentsrepresenting 15.5%

saiditImprovesthe efficiencyandeffectivenessofLocalGovernment, and 6

respondents representing 6.7%were undecided.

From the foregoing, it can be deduced that intergovernmental relations

stifles local government process base on popular view.

Table 8:Whether local government influences Service Delivery.

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 59 65.6
No 31 34.4
TOTAL 90 100%
Source: Field survey, 2017

Intable8above,59 Respondents representating 65.6% agreed that local

government influences service delivery in the grassroots while 31 respondents

representing 34.4% disagreed that local government influences service

delivery.

It goes to say therefore that majority of the responses rally on the fact that

local government influences service delivery.

Table 9:Statutory responsibilities of local government

Responses Frequency Percentage

Health Care Delivery2932.3

Primary Education2628.9

69
Job Creation20 22.2

Sanitation2 2.2

Security10 11.1

Others33.3
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

Fromtable9 above,the statutoryresponsibilitiesoflocalgovernment shows

the following29 respondentsrepresenting32.3% said it reflects

HealthCareDelivery,26respondentsrepresenting28.9% said

PrimaryEducation,20(22.2%) respondents said job creation, 2 Respondents

representing 2.2%said sanitation, 10 respondentsrepresenting 11.1% said

security and 3 respondents representing 3.3% went for other statutory

responsibilities which can be summarised into construction of feeder roads,

bridges and market.

Obviously, the above statistics shows that majority agreed that health care

delivery is the basic statutory responsibility prioritized in Bassa Local

government.

Table10:Factors Impedinglocal autonomy

70
 Responses Frequency Percentage
Direct Federal Allocation to Local 52 65.6
Government
Expansion of Local Government Tax 10 13.3
base
Establishment and Maintenance of 5 5.6
effective Accounting System
Abolition of State Joint Local 20 26.7
Government Account
Political and Financial Autonomy 3 3.3
TOTAL 90 100
Source: Field survey, 2017

Table 10 above shows that 52 Respondents representing 65.6% were of

the opinion that the panaceatothechallengesoffiscalautonomyin the local

government is local governments should receive their allocations directly from

the federation account, 10 Respondents representing 13.3% said there should

be expansion of local government tax base, 5 Respondents representing 5.6%

said through establishment and maintenance of effective accounting system, 20

respondents representing 26.7% said this can only be achieved through the

abolition of state joint local government account, and 3 respondents

representing 3.3% said there should be political and financial autonomy in the

local government.

Base on the foregoing, majority are of the opinion that

panaceatothefactors impeding fiscalautonomyin the local government is direct

71
allocationfromthefederationaccountto the local government like their

counterpartthe (state government).

4.2 RESULTS OF FINDINGS

The result of finding conducted on the subject matter of quest for local

governmentand grassroots democracy reveals

thattherespondentsagreedthattheuppertiersofgovernment;thestateandfederalgo

vernmenthavecombinedtostifletheprocessoflocalgovernmentinthecountry.Two

thingsaredeductedhere;lackofautonomybythelocalgovernmentandhigh

handedness

ofthetwotiersofgovernmenthascontributedimmenselytofinancialincapacitation

oflocalgovernmentsacrossthecountry.Thesamefactorhasmadenonsenseofthesoc

alledintergovernmentalfiscalrelationsinthecountry.Lackoffinancialfreedomme

ansthatthereisnothinglikefiscalfederalisminNigeria.

Base on the research findings, majorityoftherespondentsare of the

opinion that local government influences service delivery in the locality

particularly in the area of healthcare services,agricultural aid such as the

"Anchor Borrower Scheme" of the federal government. The local government

in its capacity ensures that technical assistance from the federal and state

governments as well as probono organizations reach the grassroots. The

influence of the local government in respect tovoter education

72
andmobilizationof citizens to participate in grassroots politics are some of the

dividends of democracy enjoyed by local inhabitants.

Findings from the research further

revealthatgrassrootsdemocracyisbeinghamperedby factors ranging

frompoliticalinterference,poororientationonthepartofruraldwellers,lackofcomm

unityparticipation,sectionalism,nepotismandfavouritism. In light of the above

facts, it needs no gain overstretching the fact that grassroots democracy has

continued to elude rural inhabitants due to lack of autonomy.

Goingbythefactsabove,itcanbeinferredthatinter-

governmentalrelationsstifleslocalgovernmentprocess. This can be seen in the

area of State-Local relationship where the former continue toground and

muzzle the later through the instrumentof joint accountand deciding when

local government elections are conducted. This render local government a

mere appendage of the state,raising autonomy question. An ideal

grassrootsdeomocracyshould be one which should be rooted, acceptable and

congruent with the people’s culture and social values, and should be akin to

what the centre for democracy in Nigeria describes as 'indigenous democracy'

agreedbymajorityview.

Deductions from the research findings reveal that the basic statutory

responsibilities of the local government is the provision of healthcare services

73
to the rural populace. In needs no gain stating the fact that majority of the

population of Plateau State areliving in rural areas, Bassa Local government

inclusive. Most times, healthcare services elude the people. Consequently,

healthcare facilities has now become the main policy thrust of the third tier

government. Although the research finding shows little variations between the

percentage of respondents who chose primary education, job creation, security

among others, popular view shows medical care is the in-thing for the citizens

of Bassa local government.

Lastly,several factors impede autonomy in the local government. These

factors range from political interference, revenue shortfalls, poor accounting

practices and audit function, to mention a few. Among the solutions proferred,

majority of the responses rally around the fact that if local autonomy must be

attained, there should be a direct allocation sent to the local government.

4.3 RELEVANTS OF FINDINGS

The relevance of this research findings is that it has been able to set a

templatein addition to numerous abstracts written on the subject matter of local

government autonomy and grassroots democracy in light of the fact that it

expands the scope of work on the subject matter. Relevant in the findingis that

Forlocal governments to be meaningful agents of grassroots development, they

must be made to play more effective role as agents of agricultural and rural

74
development; development of rural agro-allied industries; rural transportation;

and provision of a wider range of rural social infrastructures and amenities. To

achieve such diversification of the rural economy through effective

participation in the development process by the rural communities, local

government areas should be seen more as production units and growth poles

rather than mere administrative centers.

Local governments need human and material resources to execute their

functions and responsibilities, which are intended to engender grassroots

development. The human resources are the most potent because it is needed to

plan, organize and direct other resources towards the realization of the

objective of the local government.

The findings established that local government influences service

delivery. The implications are that the influence could be positive and/or

negative. Positive in the sense that rural populace could feel the presence of the

mainstream government in their localities; and negative in that only a minute

who are either party loyalists, political affiliates or friends of the local

government chairman could benefit. Once this happens, there are bound to be

discontentment among the people and the ideals of true democracy would be

far from reality.

75
 The policy agenda and programmes of government are most often

bathed from the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The research was able

to identify flashpoints that need urgent attention from stakeholders. One of

such areas is the unequal relationship that exist between the various levels of

government. Although the 1999 constitution empowers local government as

the third to carry certain statutory responsibilities, in practice it is nothing but a

mirage. For instance, local governmentsl in most part of the country (Nigeria)

is not allowed to conduct its own affairs. Elections in the grassroots are most

often than not orchestrated, manipulated and executed by the state government.

Local government is only used as a playing ground for the second tier

government.

Similarly,the relevance of this research findings isthat it reveals how autonomy

of the local Government will provide socio-economic and political

development, promote socio-political interest and strengthen administrative

relationship between the rural citizens and the government at the grassroots

level. Autonomy of local government can give local government power to

choose the best development strategy for its rural population without under

interference.

In a nutshell,responses showslittle or lack of socio-economic and

political development in the local government is due to excessive control of

76
 state governors, corruption among local government officers, mismanagement

and embezzlement of public fund, lack of basic infrastructures and social

amenities, lack of adequate funding and autonomy. Where local government is

given greater freedom, self-reliance, self-governing and determination will

naturally solve most of the problems faced today by local government in

Nigeria.

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION

5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Based on the research findings conducted in Bassa Local Government

on the subject matter of quest for local government autonomy and grass root

democracy, the following summary was drawn.

i. That the local government should be allowed to enjoy its own autonomy

like other levels of government.

ii. That the factors influencing fiscal autonomy of Bassa local government

include Political affiliation, Socio-economic considerations, Loyalty of

the chairman, and Party affliction

iii. That grassroots democracy in the local government is being hampered

by political interference, poor orientation on the part of rural dwellers,

77
 Lack of community participation, Sectionalism, nepotism and

favouritism.

iv. That local government plays its statutory responsibilities in respect to

service delivery and dividends of democracy

v. That local government autonomy can solve the problems of local

governments in Nigeria base on popular view.

vi. That inter-governmental relation stifles local government process as

agreed by majority view.

vii. That there is socio-economic and political development in Bassa local

government as agreed by majority of the respondents.

viii. That majority are of the opinion that there is no sustainability of projects

in Bassa local government.

ix. That poor funding is the reason for poor service delivery in the

grassroots.

x. That panacea to the challenges of fiscal autonomy in the local

government is that local governments should receive their allocations

directly from the federation account like their counterparts.

xi. Finally, that local government autonomy provides socio-economic and

political development in Bassa Local Government.

5.2 CONCLUSION

78
 The Constitution undeniably established local government as a separate

and, to some extent, autonomous sphere of government embodied with

executive and legislative powers - powers that should be used to establish

responsible, effective and financially viable local government. These powers

should give the council substantial control on local affairs as well as the staff

and institutional and financial power to initiate and direct the provision of

services and to determine and implement projects so as to complement the

activities of the state and federal governments in their areas, and to ensure,

through \ devolution of functions to their traditional institutions, that local

initiative and response to local needs and conditions are maximized."

The quest for autonomy therefore should be related to financial viability.

However, local government autonomy should not be seen as making the local

government a sovereign entity, or the chairman a ‘local governor’ thus

comparing himself with the state governors. But local government autonomy

should be enjoyed by the citizens at the grassroots. The autonomy should not

be a privilege of the chairman and councilors. Omoruyi opined that “local

communities can only be meaningfully autonomous when popular structures,

organizations and supportive values have been created to sustain, propagate

and perpetuate fair representation, constant dialogue, openness of policy

making, public accountability and collective self-defense. Existing structure

79
and association and new onesshould be identified and formed as the focus of

grassroots democracy. Government powers have to be shared by these

grassroots bodies in order to give life to the principle of local selfautonomy

and participatory democracy.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

In line with the findings of this study, the following recommendations

are proffered:

i. The authority to determine the structure, composition, finance and

function of local government should rest in the Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria not on the State Government. This will

ensure stable local government, and strengthen local government

autonomy.

ii. Local government stake holders or opposition parties should challenge

the action of the state governments, in court of competence jurisdiction

on the illegal appointment of Caretaker Committees, to secure judgment,

and to stop such illegality in future.

80
iii. The revenue to the local Government from Federation Accounts should

be paid directly to the local Government without passing same through

Joint State /Local Government Account Committee. The purpose is to

avoid diversion of local Government funds by the State Governments

and to reduce unnecessary interference and deductions of Federal

allocation by the State Governments, and this will enhance the desired

autonomy.

iv. The expenditure pattern of Bassa Local Government should change such

that more revenue is expected for capital rather than recurrent

expenditure. The expenditure pattern should reflect a 60%:40% ratio in

favour of capital expenditure.

v. Above all, there is the urgent need for increase in federal allocation to

Local Government Councils if they must remain relevant as the third tier

level of Government. Revenue formula should be reviewed from 20.6%

- 30% in favour of local Government so as to enhance grass root growth

and infrastructural development.

vi. It is imperative for local Government to uniquely assume a third tier

status within the Nigeria federal structure, a lot needs to be done by way

of giving concrete expression to this notion. Consequently, Federal

Government should establish a neutral body at the national level that

81
 should be charged with the responsibility of monitoring and moderating

all spheres of interaction between the local Government and other tiers

of Government, otherwise the present dynamic tension on local

Government autonomy would persist.

vii. The funding of primary school should be removed from the Local

Government Councils, and taken over completely by the state

government to remove huge financial burden on local government so

that they can have enough revenue for capital development.

82
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86
 APPENDIX ‘A’

Department of Public
Administration,
PlateauState Polytechnic,
Barkin Ladi.
P.M.B. 02023 Jos.
17th December, 2015.

Dear Sir/Madam,

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

I am Sunday Magdalene Damwesh, a final year student of the above named

Department of the Institution.
I am carrying out research on: The Quest for Local Government Autonomy
and Grass Root Democracy. (A case study of Bassa Local Government Area).
This research work serves as one of the requirement for the award of
HigherNational Diploma in Public Administration.
I shall be grateful if these questions are answered appropriately. All
information given will be meant for this project only and will be treated with all
sincerity.
Thanks for your cooperation.

Yours faithfully,

Sunday Magdalene Damwesh

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 QUESTIONNAIRE
NOTE: Please read the questions below and tick [ √ ] the option
that fit your answer.

SECTION A:
PERSONAL DATA OF RESPONDENT
i. Gender:
Male [ ]
Female [ ]
ii. Marital Status:
Single [ ]
Married [ ]

iii. Respondent's Age Distribution:

20 – 25years [ ]
26 – 30 years [ ]
31 – 25 years [ ]
36 – 40 years [ ]
41 years and above [ ]

iv. Educational Qualification of Respondent

OND/NCE [ ]
B.Sc/HND [ ]
Professional Qualification [ ]

v. Respondent's Length of experience/service

1 – 5 years [ ]
10years [ ]
15years [ ]
SECTION B: ANALYTICAL STATISTICS

1. Do you agree that Local Government should have autonomy?

StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

88
2. What are the factors influencing fiscal autonomy in local government in
Bassa?
Political affiliation [ ]
Socio-economic considerations [ ]
Loyalty of the chairman [ ]
Party Affiliation [ ]
All of the above [ ]

3.

Whatinyouropinionaccountsforabsenceofgrassrootsdemocracyinthelocal
government?
Political interference [ ]
Poor orientation on the part of rural dwellers [ ]
Lack of community participation [ ]
Sectionalism, nepotism and favouritism [ ]
All of the above [ ]

4.

Isthelocalgovernmentadequatelyperformingitsstatutoryresponsibilitiesinr
especttoservicedeliveryanddividendsofdemocracy?
StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

5.

Canyouagreethatlocalgovernmentautonomycanand/orwillsolvetheproble
msoflocalgovernmentinNigeria?
StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

6. What impact has inter-governmental relations on the autonomy of local

government?

89
 Increases grassroots democracy [ ]
Makes LG more financially viable [ ]
Stifles local government process [ ]
Improves efficiency and effectiveness of Local Government [ ]
Undecided [ ]
7. Do you agreethat there is socio-economic and political development in
Bassa local government?
StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

8.

HastherebeensustainabilityofprojectsinBassaLocalGovernmentasrelating
toitsmandateofensuringadequategrassrootsdemocracy?
StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

9.

Towhatextentispoorservicedeliveryinruralareasofthestatedirectlyrelatedt
oinsufficientfunding?
Very Large extent [ ]
Large extent [ ]
Little [ ]
None [ ]
Undecided [ ]

10.

Howcanthechallengesoffiscalautonomyberesolvedtomeetservicedelivery
needsefficientlyinthelocalgovernmentareasofthestate?
Direct Federal Allocation to Local Government [ ]
Expansion of Local Government Tax base [ ]
Establishment and Maintenance of effective Accounting System [ ]

90
 Abolition of State Joint Local Government Account [ ]
Political and Financial Autonomy [ ]

11. Do you agree that local government autonomy will provide socio-
economic and political development in Bassa Local Government?
StronglyAgreed [ ]
Agreed [ ]
StronglyDisagreed [ ]
Disagreed [ ]
Undecided [ ]

91
 ADMINISTRATIVE CHART OF BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Executive Chairman
Legislative
Local Government
Internal
Deputy Chairman Educational
Auditor
Authority
Deputy leader
Secretary
Auditor
Director staff
Minority
Personnel
Management

Chief Whip Supervisory

Councilor Supervisory
Supervisory councilor Supervisory councilor Agriculture Councilor
House works primary Health care Social Services
Committee (PHC) Director
Deputy
finance and Director
Director Director social
Director Agriculture
Directors works Personnel supply services
Legislative primary Health
Management
care (PHC)
Deputy Deputy Deputy
Deputy Deputy Director - Traditional council Director Director Director Social
Director works primary Health care finance & Agriculture Services
- Security council
Clerk
(PHC) - Open Registry Supply
- Secretary Registry
- Maintenance
Assistance Administration - Information
- Electrical Account Agriculture special welfare
coordinator Essential Treasury story veterinary
- Mechanical - Adult education
drugs Monitoring Revenue Home - Committee
- Building
Economic development

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