Opinion: Cross River State Should Follow Nasarawa’s Lead in Abolishing the Joint State-Local Government Account
Written by: Prince Efiok Edet
The recent decision by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State to scrap the joint account system with local governments sets an inspiring precedent for states across Nigeria, including Cross River.
This landmark step aligns with the Supreme Court’s mandate for financial autonomy across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs). It’s a move that champions transparency, accountability, and, above all, local government empowerment.
Cross River State, with its newly elected officials eager to make a meaningful impact, should seriously consider following suit by abolishing the joint state-local government account system under the Cross River State Local Government Law, 2004.
Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State, has the opportunity to drive transformative change by empowering local governments with financial independence.
His leadership, aimed at revitalizing the state’s governance and development strategies, could be the catalyst that Cross River needs to fulfill its vast potential. By giving LGAs the autonomy to manage their own funds, Governor Otu could enable these local councils to act swiftly and effectively in meeting the unique needs of their communities.
The existing joint account system often results in bottlenecks and restricted financial autonomy for local governments, creating a barrier to effective administration.
By maintaining control over funds intended for the LGAs, state governments limit the ability of local officials to respond quickly to community needs.
Cross River’s own local government councils would greatly benefit from the autonomy to initiate and implement projects directly tied to local priorities, especially in rural areas where immediate infrastructural and welfare needs are paramount.
Granting LGAs full control over their allocated funds could stimulate rapid local development and, more importantly, improve the trust between the government and the people.
With a visionary leader like Governor Otu at the helm, Cross River has the potential to foster significant growth and socio-economic improvements through empowered local governments.
This would allow for progress in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure on a community level. Cross River residents deserve local leaders who can meet these needs without administrative delays or funding restrictions.
A further benefit of this change would be enhanced transparency. Governor Sule’s actions demonstrate a clear commitment to the rule of law and accountability, and Governor Otu could embrace this example, creating an environment where funds meant for local projects are managed at the local level.
This would not only ensure accountability but would also prevent accusations of misappropriation or underfunding that often plague the joint account system.
Additionally, the economic potential that full financial autonomy brings to local governments cannot be overstated. For a state like Cross River, with vast agricultural and tourism potential, empowering local councils with their own resources could unlock community-led initiatives to reduce poverty and hunger.
Under Governor Otu’s administration, investing in local infrastructure and services will not only improve the standard of living but will also spur economic activities that benefit both urban and rural residents alike.
Nasarawa State’s recent pledge to implement the federal minimum wage is also a model for Cross River. By abolishing the joint account system and embracing financial autonomy, Cross River’s LGAs could have the capacity to pay fair wages to their staff and invest in training and development.
This would attract talented professionals to public service, raise morale, and, ultimately, enhance public sector performance across the state. With the backing of Governor Otu, Cross River’s local governments could begin implementing policies that uplift workers and drive sustainable development across the state.
The newly elected officials in Cross River are ready to serve. Giving them financial independence from the onset will set the right tone for an administration grounded in transparency, accountability, and local progress.
Governor Abdullahi Sule’s decision in Nasarawa should serve as a call to action for Governor Otu to prioritize empowering Cross River’s local governments. This reform aligns with both the Supreme Court’s mandate and the demands of Cross River’s citizens for more impactful, responsive local governance.
Governor Otu’s leadership could lay the groundwork for a transformative era in Cross River’s governance—one that truly prioritizes the welfare and development of all its communities.
By abolishing the joint account and embracing local financial autonomy, Cross River can take a decisive step toward inclusive progress and prosperity.
