A former local government chairman in Kaduna State has openly challenged claims by ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai that his administration did not interfere in the management of local government funds. The ex-chairman, who spoke to TheLink News on condition of anonymity, described El-Rufai’s statements as “misleading and far from the reality experienced at the grassroots level.”
The controversy erupted after El-Rufai, in a recent public address, stated that his administration upheld the autonomy of local governments, ensuring that funds allocated to them were used transparently and without state government interference.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s remarks, the former council chairman accused the ex-governor of micromanaging local government finances throughout his tenure.
“The reality was quite different from what he is now claiming. While in office, local government funds were centrally controlled, and decisions on project approvals and budget allocations had to align with directives from the state government. It is misleading to say that LGs operated independently,” the former chairman said.
He further alleged that several local government projects were stalled or altered based on orders from the state government, often without consulting the elected chairmen.
The controversy has reignited the broader debate on local government autonomy in Nigeria. Critics argue that governors across the country often exert undue influence over LG administrations, limiting their ability to function effectively.
“Local governments are supposed to be independent, but in practice, many state governments control their finances and dictate their policies. This has to change if we want grassroots development to thrive,” said a Kaduna-based political analyst, Dr. Ibrahim Musa.
Civil society organizations, including the Kaduna State Coalition for Good Governance, have called for an audit of past local government expenditures to determine whether funds were truly managed autonomously under El-Rufai’s administration.
As the allegations gain traction, El-Rufai’s media team has dismissed them as “politically motivated attempts to discredit his legacy.”
“Governor El-Rufai implemented financial reforms that ensured accountability and transparency in local government administration. These allegations are baseless and aimed at rewriting history,” a spokesperson said.
However, some political observers believe the issue should be investigated further to provide clarity on the financial management of local governments during his tenure.
The debate over local government autonomy is unlikely to end soon, with growing demands for constitutional reforms to grant LGs full control over their funds without interference from state governments.
As Kaduna residents reflect on El-Rufai’s legacy, questions linger over whether his administration truly allowed LGs to operate independently or if, as critics suggest, it maintained control behind the scenes. TheLink News will continue to follow developments on this issue.
