Eben Enasco Reporting.
Soon after Benito Mussolini came to power as prime minister of Italy in 1922, he told a meeting of southern fascists that he has the power to solve even the problem of Italy that includes sicily and Sardinia.
He went further to assure the people that in his capacity, he could engage in chasing latitanti, a group of mafias and tell many of the stories of the wide chase afterwards.
When one has made up one’s mind to act in earnest, the neighborhood should be left absolutely quiet in observation of the outcome of such promises.
It became a clear case of how this can be scrutinized using the physiological and material data collected to know the direction and development of the action.
His position, undoubtedly, showed courage and determination.
In Nigeria, the governors will promise but offer little or nothing.
Governors are now seen by the populace as an “Organized racketeer” who became a national force once declared elected into offices.
Along with prostitution, drug addicts, kidnappings and gambling in the society, they are now a new illicit commodity millions of Nigerian politicians crave like alcohol consumption.
Governors during their electioneering campaigns offer signs to be trusted by electorates who sometimes get their fingers broken or their knuckles cracked by trusting the judgments of the governors trusted to provide the dividends of democracy.
Today, Nigerian governors are facing a real-time challenge – living up to the expectations of their citizens.
The country’s 36 governors have been criticized for their performance, with many failing to deliver on promises and instead prioritizing personal interests.
Yes, a few months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged Nigerians and the media to hold state governors and local government officials accountable for the federal allocations they receive monthly.
The President emphasized that with the push for local government financial autonomy, local councils are now receiving their funds directly, meaning accountability must now be demanded at the grassroots level.
Tinubu urged the media not to “Bombard him Alone” directing citizens to stop pointing all fingers of frustrations solely at the federal government, noting that a stronger democracy requires scrutiny of how state and local governments use their increased funds.
He noted that improved allocations should translate into better public services, including rural infrastructure, primary healthcare, and education.
Reports indicate the President has warned governors against hijacking funds intended for local government councils, hinting at using executive orders to ensure compliance with Supreme Court rulings on autonomy.
The President maintained that while he takes responsibility for his policies, national development is a shared responsibility that requires accountability at all levels of government.
Many Nigerians feel that their governors are more accountable to their political patrons than to the people who elected them.
The Legislatures and Local Government Council authorities are ambushed if they don’t openly support the unrefined policies of these governors during the re-election process.
They quickly align with the Governors or get kicked out for attempting to go independent.
The governors though aware of the structural tiers, will not obey any of such constitutional rights of the other organs of government.
Most politicians are forced to join the governor’s political party, leaving the society volatile to corruption practices unchallenged by those constituted to do so.
This has led to a lack of transparency and accountability, with funds meant for development projects often being mismanaged or embezzled.
Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended provides immunity to Executive Governors as well as the President, Vice President, and Deputy Governors from being arrested, imprisoned, or subjected to civil or criminal proceedings while in office.
Key details regarding this societal evil immunity, as stipulated in Section 308, include; Protection from Arrest, Civil and Criminal Proceedings, Restriction on Court Appearance
It is important to note that this immunity is not absolute in terms of time; it only lasts for the duration of their tenure, and legal actions can be initiated after they leave office.
The question is why wait until the governors are out of office?
It would have served properly if these elements are monitored and invited when concerns of corrupt practices are detected during their tenures.
This will create absolute compelling fear and accountability when they are sworn in to office
The failure of governors to deliver has had a devastating impact on citizens, with many struggling to access basic services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
The Afrobarometer survey shows that 62% of Nigerians feel life has worsened since subsidy removal, and only 18% believe the savings are being used well.
Citizens, civil society, and the media are calling for governors to be held accountable for their actions.
Bayo Olupohunda like President Tinubu argues that Nigerians must demand accountability from their governors, rather than just focusing on the president.
This can be achieved through transparent budgets, regular town hall meetings, and robust anti-corruption measures.
To address the challenges facing Nigeria, governors must prioritize people-centered governance.
Governors must be transparent in their dealings and accountable to the people. Policies must prioritize the needs of citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Robust anti-corruption measures must be put in place to prevent embezzlement and mismanagement of funds.
The challenge facing Nigeria’s governors is clear. The immunity in Section 308, must be amended to allow citizens to challenge these critical office holders when corrupt practices are detected.
The question again is will the legislative arm of government rise to the occasion and prioritize the needs of their citizens, or will they continue to fail alongside the governors who have been using Section 308 to limit progress ? Only time will tell.