Contending Issues in the Niger Delta Crisis of Nigeria - Journal of ...

Dr. Akpomuvire Mukoro
political and economic control of the nation. A true constitution must
and should evolve from participation, fairness, flexibility and wide
consultation (Bottom up process).
(B)
Resource Control and Autonomy
The idea of local government autonomy does not mean absolute
independence for the local authorities. Since according to Adejumobi
(1995:283), ‘such an action will amount to dual sovereignty in a
nation, and the constitution of a state within a state, which to say the
least is undesirable’. However, the idea of autonomy in the opinion of
Gboyega (1981:134 – 158), means the ‘extent to which local
governments are free from the paternal control of state and federal
government in the management of local affairs’.
A true democratic local government with evidence of autonomy in the
views of Ojofeitimi (1992), should exercise powers of decision –
making, revenue generation and financial matters, staff matters and
administrative responsibility. Adejumobi (1995), was even more
candid with his opinion of autonomy. He said that local autonomy
requires that the local governments must have the power to take
decisions independent of external control within the limits laid down
by the law. It must have sufficient resources, particularly finance to
meet its responsibilities, to create posts, appoint and dismiss its
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