According to Senator Simon Lalong, who represents Plateau Central Senatorial District, governors in Nigeria are reportedly misusing local government funds and are against the autonomy of the third tier administration.
Former Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Lalong made these remarks during a discussion on a bill urging President Bola Tinubu to revive LG administration in Nigeria.
He alleged that some governors resisted the past administration’s efforts to maintain control over LG administration to retain access to funds which they spent irresponsibly. Lalong distanced himself from this behavior by highlighting that he supported local government autonomy in Plateau State for eight years.
Lalong emphasized the importance of the bill at this time, noting the understanding President Tinubu, who governed Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and Senator Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, had for local government administrations and the autonomy they granted during their respective tenures.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, expressed concern over the opposition to local government autonomy, suggesting that some governors were hindering the survival of LGs for selfish motives.