The stalemate on Lagos councils fund
THE failure of the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to reach an agreement towards paying outstanding salaries of teachers and local government workers in the state is regrettable. It confirms our fear that the political power-play between the two governments will continue to undermine the survival interest of the masses of Nigerians who are caught in the struggle due to no fault of theirs. Again, the concern of the Supreme Court about the plight of almost 50,000 people and a larger number of dependants, in the absence of a temporary truce appears vindicated. Equally worthy of note is whether the court, as the very last hope of the common man, could have done more to prevent the stalemate.
On July 6, the Supreme Court advised the two governments to meet and devise means by which workers and teachers in Lagos' 57 councils would be paid. The Federal Government had withheld the councils' funds from the federation account on the grounds that they were created, from the 20 previous councils, without the constitutionally required affirmation of the National Assembly. Lagos had gone to court challenging this decision prompting the Supreme Court's advice which, unfortunately, the Federal Government rejected.
This stalemate is yet another index of a failing government that has abdicated its responsibility of governance on the altar of politics and power-play. All the parties in the dispute are blameworthy. The Supreme Court failed to make a sufficiently potent pronouncement to halt the workers' suffering even while preserving the substance of the case. The court's advice obviously showed its grave concern for the workers. And the court knew that it was going on vacation mid-July to resume in September. This situation should have necessitated a firm order or directive, rather than a mere advice with no binding force on the parties. Alternatively, the court could have given accelerated hearing to the matter such that by now, the issues would have been put to rest. As it were, 27,218 teachers and 21,992 staff members of the councils in Lagos will have to wait till October 7.
The Lagos State government was accused by the federal government of failing to avail itself of the opportunity of a scheduled meeting, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), the Federal Government's counsel If this were true, it would amount to unnecessary hard-line posture considering that Lagos State is the party bearing the heavy yoke of the controversy. However, the federal government deserves the largest share of the blame. It has blatantly refused to respect a sincere advice given by the Supreme Court. By so doing, the federal government has signalled a clear determination to exert supremacy over all other parties, There is little to justify why a responsible government would sacrifice the welfare of its subjects over a matter in which its position is highly controverted.
During the pendency of the case in court, what does the federal government stand to lose if it releases funds for Lagos council workers and teachers, even if to provide temporary relief in line with the supreme court's advice In any event, the money in question constitutionally belongs to the local governments, in line with section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution. It is money to be used for developmental purposes and the remuneration of workers. It makes sense therefore that a sensitive government, while legally disputing the validity of new councils, ought not to embark on a measure that would be seen as purely punitive. The federal government's conduct is repugnant to the concept of good governance.
The federal government ought to retrace its steps and release money for the upkeep of the local governments. This will not affect whatever may be the outcome of the case in court, which is mainly the right of states to create new councils when the National Assembly is yet to make its input. The Federal government needs not wait for the October date fixed for the next court hearing.
