LOCAL GOVERNMENT

SS2 GOVERNMENT
1st Term

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government may be defined as a government established through an Act of parliament at the local level to deal with specific matters as it affects them. Under the 1963 Republican constitution, local government authorities were created mainly to deal with matters of local concern. Local governments are created through a document called Instrument. Like corporate bodies, a local government can sue and be sued because they are legal entities. There are 3 tiers of government, namely federal, state and local governments. Local government is the third tier of government. Examples of local governments in Nigeria include Aniocha North LGA, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA etc.
Reasons for the creation of local government
(1.) To bring government nearer the people (2) to encourage local participation in politics (3) to bring about even development across the country (4) To meet the peculiar need of the people (5) to serve as agents of the federal or state government (6) To create employment (7) as a means of training up-comers that will handle the state and federal governments in future.
Types of local government
(1.) County         (2.) Municipal
Functions of local government
The local government is allowed to legislate on matters in the residual list. E.g. market, primary school, Motor Park, etc. The following are the functions
(1.) To name streets (2.) to provide healthcare centers (3.) to provide recreational centers (4.) to build and regulate markets, motor parks, primary schools, public toilets etc. (5.) to construct and maintain feeder roads (6.) to register birth, death and marriages in their jurisdiction (7.) to issue license for things like TV, radio etc. (8.) to make and implement bye laws. (9.) to assist the higher tiers of government
Problems of local government
(1.) Shortage of trained personnel (2.) insufficient fund (3.) interference by state and federal government (4.) bribery and corruption (5.) strife between the different parties at local and state levels (6.) Low incentive to local government workers (7.) Tribalism in terms of appointment, promotion and discipline.
Structure and sources of finance/fund
(1.) Allocation from the federation accounts (2.) state or federal government grant (3.) imposition of levy (4.) collection of rents and rates (5.) proceeds from local government owned commercial ventures (6.) Fines paid by defaulters of bye-laws (7.) State government allocation (8.) court fines (9.) Royalties from companies (10) Donations and gifts from individuals and corporate organizations
Relationship between local government, state and federal government
1.                   Its creation by act of parliament: it is the federal government that creates the local government. Thus, the local government relates with the federal government as its creator
2.                   Power to make bye-laws: it is the federal government that empowers the local government to make bye-laws. Such laws are subject to federal government ratification
3.                   Sustenance through allocation: the local government also relates with both the state and the federal governments as its sustainer since the bulk of its revenue comes from the allocations received from them.
4.                   Accountability: the local government is accountable to the federal government as its officials can be called upon to give account of how its funds are being administered. The state and central government can even send auditors to audit the accounts of the local government.
5.                   Control: the state and central governments have diverse ways of controlling the local government, namely: through court order, through approval or disapproval of loans, projects or bye-laws etc.
6.                   Dissolution: the state government has the power to dissolve the local government council and appoint a caretaker committee to see to the affairs of the local government pending the election of new council members.

No comments:

Post a Comment

MONARCHY

SS1 GOVERNMENT 2nd Term MONARCHY Definition : Monarchy is a type of government by one individual. This individual may be a king, quee...