By Allison Abanum

It is indisputable that a great leader is not one who seeks to undertake all tasks independently or claim sole credit for their accomplishments. Throughout history, it has been widely acknowledged that effective governance requires the delegation of responsibilities to competent individuals who possess the necessary expertise. 

The division of power and the establishment of constitutional guidelines are fundamental principles that underpin the concept of federalism, allowing for the distribution of authority among different entities. Leaders who attempt to consolidate absolute power without the input of knowledgeable advisors or representatives often face challenges and criticism. Therefore, the wisdom of entrusting proven individuals with specific roles and responsibilities remains a cornerstone of successful governance “It is also evident that exceptional leaders must possess a sincere passion for the advancement of his country. 

Chief James Ibori has consistently exhibited this attribute, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the enhancement of the nation without wavering in offering constructive insights, regardless of personal gain. Once again, he has weighed in with a comprehensive analysis of the issue surrounding the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. Since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, numerous local governments have endured neglect and maltreatment by certain State Governors, who have been remiss in providing them with the requisite financial allocations.

This unfortunate situation is exacerbated by the fact that local governments are the closest tier of government to the people and asuch requires proper attention. In recent times, the dysfunctionality of local government entities has become apparent, only being brought to attention during electoral periods. This predicament has prompted a myriad of suggestions to address the issue, as an increasing number of local government officials clamor for assistance. Many believe that the most viable course of action would be to allocate funds directly to them, albeit without a thorough examination of the implications for constitutional provisions and the essence of a federal system.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria recently rendered a decision regarding the issue of granting financial autonomy to local governments. The ruling supports direct payment of allocated funds to local government coffers, bypassing the influence of State Governors as mandated by the constitution. This marks a significant shift from the previous practice. Initially perceived as a positive development, given the questionable management of local government affairs by some State Governors, a more nuanced perspective emerged when Chief James Ibori raised a critical point of contention that had been overlooked by legal experts. 

Chief Ibori’s perspective is that the Supreme Court ruling has dealt a significant blow to the essence of federalism as outlined in section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and this viewpoint is indeed valid. The provision explicitly states that, “Any funds in the Federation Account must be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the Local Government Councils in each State according to the regulations set by the National Assembly. 

“Sections 6 offer additional elucidation on this subject. (6) Every State is required to maintain a distinct account known as the “State Joint Local Government Account”into which all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the State Government must be deposited. Essentially, this indicates that in line with the constitution and the federalism framework practiced in the country, the direct allocation of funds to local government treasuries deviates from the legal provisions of the nation and should not be condoned, no matter how appealing it may appear. In the absence of adherence to the constitution, a nation’s sovereignty is compromised, and when the laws of the land are not consistently upheld, there is cause for concern. In essence, it is not advisable to circumvent the constitutional provisions without appropriate legislation or amendment.

“As much as the management of local government funding by State Governors is criticized, it is imperative to explore more effective methods within the framework of the constitution to ensure compliance and ethical conduct. Chief James Ibori contends that the court’s decision regarding this issue undermines the essence of true federalism. The federal government should not overstep its boundaries by meddling in the governance of Local Governments in any form. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his disapproval, stating “I’m opposed to fiddling with the allocations to the Joint LG Accounts at the state level but that in itself does not call for this death knell to the clear provisions of section 162 of the constitution. The implications of the ruling are far reaching” and Indeed it is. 

The current focus may solely be on local government affairs, but there is a looming uncertainty about potential future violations of constitutional mandates. This sets a detrimental precedent for forthcoming legal matters. In essence, the nation cannot afford to disregard its constitutional principles in such a manner.“Chief Ibori’s argument is not only valid but also thought-provoking, garnering increasing agreement. This raises the question of why the courts did not initially consider this perspective or if it was intentionally overlooked. If the latter is true, it is even more disconcerting.

Regardless of the circumstances, his ability to ponder deeply and present a divergent viewpoint that is substantiated demonstrates his profound concern for the nation’s welfare. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that he is not a State Governor, indicating that his motives are not self-serving. This exemplifies a leader who prioritizes intellectual rigor and harbors a genuine commitment to the country’s advancement. Such qualities are often lacking in leaders of today, underscoring Chief Ibori’s status as a truly exceptional and rare breed of leader.

“Infact, during his tenure as governor, there were several instances that exemplified his commitment to true federalism, separation of powers, and respect for authority. He not only espoused these principles but also embodied them in his actions, a hallmark of his political career and beyond. While serving as the Governor of the oil-rich Delta State in his second tenure, he astutely observed that his deputy governor, Chief Benjamin Elue was not receiving the appropriate recognition and deference from the commissioners. Consequently, he contemplated replacing all of them. Sensing the impending changes, the commissioners implored the Deputy Governor to intervene and dissuade the Governor from taking such drastic measures. 

Recognizing their missteps, they humbly sought his mercy. Fortunately, their entreaties resonated with the Governor, and they were spared from facing the consequences of their actions. “Another instance arose when Access Bank Nigeria presented a business proposition to the Governor. Rather than hastily making a decision, as is common among many governors, he opted for a more judicious approach. He requested a thorough review of the proposal in the presence of a distinguished commissioner with specialized expertise related to the matter at hand. Trusting in the commissioner’s judgment, the final verdict was unfavorable, leading to a definitive rejection of the proposal. Governor Ibori, in his wisdom, chose to defer to his aide’s recommendation, acknowledging his competence and respecting his position, rather than overruling the decision.“One instance involved agencies from diverse state ministries presenting their needs assessment to the state executive council. 

Amidst the presentations, a commissioner interrupted the proceedings, a move Chief Ibori, in his capacity as Governor, allowed, demonstrating trust in the commissioner’s judgment. Following this, Chief Ibori sought to engage the commissioner in a discussion regarding the rationale behind disregarding the petitions. Upon considering the insights that influenced the commissioner’s decision, Chief Ibori endorsed it, recognizing its validity. 

These instances given above exemplify Chief Ibori’s stance on the local government issue and his advocacy for true federalism, rooted in his consistent practice rather than a sudden inclination to contradict a national discourse. They portray him as a leader who sees the importance of upholding a governmental framework, viewing it as a crucial adhesive that promotes cohesion and facilitates progress.“They also show that he, as a person and a leader, is one who demonstrates tremendous commitment, trust, and belief in the competency of those he surrounds himself with.