scholarly journals Local Governments and Synchronous Issues Since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
Kunle Awotokun
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Federal System ◽  
State Governments ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Holistic Review ◽  
Fourth Republic

The paper examines the contentious issues bewildering local government as a level of governance in Nigeria’s federal system of government against the backdrop of classical theory and practice of federalism. The article relies heavily on secondary data to run its analysis. Such data includes textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, the Nigerian 1979 and 1999 constitutions, etc. The findings are that there are lots of contradictions (inconsistencies) in the running of the Nigerian federal system of government. The federal government is fond of always arm-twisting state governments especially in the area of creating new local governments which has, no doubt, led to frustration, reactions and counter-reactions between the two tiers of government. The work concludes on the note that there is the need to have a holistic review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, with the view to returning the country to a true federal system akin to the Nigerian constitutions of 1960 and 1963 with modifications to reflect contemporary issues. This is the path of wisdom to stem the tide of separatist agitations in Nigeria and perhaps in plural African countries. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. 8(2): 341-347.

scholarly journals STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-35
Author(s):  
Salami Issa AFEGBUA, ◽  
Kehinde Ohiole OSAKEDE, ◽  
Barry Barisu NKOMAH
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Government Administration ◽  
Political Interference ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Secondary Data Sources ◽  
Government Development

This paper examined the structural challenges and local government development in Nigeria. Local governments system in Nigeria, has taken different forms from one period to the other. There were series of reforms in the Nigerian local government system aimed at addressing the structural deficiency inherent in the third tier of government in Nigerian federation. Suffice it to say that, the development of local government in Nigeria is almost becoming an illusion as local governments faced with multifarious structural challenges which serve as impediments to its development. The study that relied on secondary data sources through a comprehensive review of relevant literature on the subject of discussion. The paper identified constitutional crises, undue political interference amongst others as major constraints to local government development in Nigeria. The paper submits that there is need to restructure the present local government system in Nigeria by going back to multi-tier local government in the 1950’s. Areas of contribution to its development were also identified and conclude that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be amended to enable State Governments and the various State Houses of Assembly loosen their firm grip on the local governments in order to allow the local government authorities take initiative that will enhance its growth and development.

Power of Initiative and Immunity of Local Government in Federal Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-79
Author(s):  
Amrit Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Tara Nath Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Federal System ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Ancient Regime ◽  
History Of ◽  
Autonomous Institution

Traditionally, it was considered that federal and state governments are the primary two components of the federal system. Provisions relating to local governments were left in the hand of state governments. The recent concept of federalism accepts the local governments as third and integral tier of the federal system. However, federalism and decentralization are used in different meaning. Federalism means the division of power within the center and federal units whereas decentralization considers devolution of power to the local units. The history of the local government begins with the ancient regime in Nepal, and it continues till at present. This article analyzes whether Nepal's local governments are exercising autonomous powers in the new federal system. It examines the local governments' status and positions in light of Clark's theory of autonomy. It concludes that the local governments have vested a significant level of powers of initiative and immunity to being needed for an autonomous institution.

Does local autonomy facilitate local government reform initiatives? Evidence from Switzerland

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 426-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Keuffer
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Local Autonomy ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Reform Initiatives ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Problems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the initiatives of local governments to launch modernisation processes are facilitated by local autonomy, which is increasingly important in both the theory and practice of public policy and management. Design/methodology/approach Local government reforms are distinguished according to the institutional structure at which they are directed and local autonomy is assessed as a multidimensional concept. Drawing on a multilevel analysis of the Swiss case, this paper combines data stemming from a survey conducted at the local tier with secondary data from the regional tier. Findings The main empirical findings are threefold. First, when local governments undertake managerial or political reform initiatives, their autonomy with respect to higher levels of government matters. Second, it is not local autonomy but rather the perception of structural problems that is the force driving territorial reforms. Third, it is not the autonomy enjoyed by local governments vis-à-vis local factors, but rather the pressures stemming from that context that may lead to reforms. Originality/value By adopting a comparative approach to local autonomy, this paper shows that local governments which have sufficient latitude for local policy making are likely to take initiatives to improve service delivery in accordance with local preferences.

scholarly journals Embezzlement and Reckless Spending: A Bottleneck for Local Governments’ Revitalization and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
Shafi’u Abubakar Kurfi ◽  
Moh’d Lawal Danrimi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Federal System ◽  
Collaborative Effort ◽  
Public Servants ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
State And Local

Nigeria operates a federal system of government and power is allocated to federal, state and local governments. A collaborative effort was encouraged to promote socio-economic development. Unfortunately, lack of diversification of the economy and over concentration on crude oil, it now operates a monolithic economy. Federal government on monthly basis share the proceed to the three levels of government but ironically, nothing significant is shown for the huge allocations due to uncontrollable embezzlement and reckless spending by public servants more specifically local authorities due to the extreme closeness to citizenry. Documentary data were obtained from published books, reputable journals, government publications, magazines, newspaper publications, internet sources and personal observations in carrying out this study. The paper observed that embezzlement and reckless spending is on the increase in some Nigerian local governments and is manifested through the state joint local government account, embezzlements and reckless spending by local chairmen, fake projects, collusion in the transaction of government businesses, ghost workers, denial of statutory functions. The paper concludes that local government is at the verge of total collapse if adequate measures were not taken to savage the situation. The paper recommends that states joint accounts should be scrap for local governments have a sustainable development.

Comment

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 108-109
Author(s):  
Mark Kesselman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
The United States ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Local Autonomy ◽  
Fundamental Change ◽  
Local Expenditures

Acentral ingredient of democracy in the United States, according to Tocqueville, was local autonomy – yet the data presented by Professor Austin suggests a fundamental change in the United States since Tocquevilles time. Most local expenditures are now provided by the federal and state governments, most “local” programs are not local at all, for many (if not most) purposes the local government has become an extension of the federal government, and it is often replaced altogether by federally created field agencies (what the French call deconcentrated administration).

scholarly journals Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway Project in the Context of Theory and Practice of Regional Planning

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanard Otwori Juma ◽  
Fredrick Adol Gogo ◽  
Ahmed Abduletif Abdulkadr ◽  
Dénes Dávid Lóránt
Keyword(s):  
Regional Planning ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
East African ◽  
African Region ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Transportation Services ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Impact

Despite most African countries having immense natural and human resources potential, the continent has mostly been lagging on matters of economic development. This scenario could primarily be attributed to weak intra-regional and inter-country trade given the poor connectivity, quality, and diversity in transportation services and infrastructure. In this regard, the governments of the greater East African Region representing Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, therefore, mooted a coordinated vision to develop interlinked regional infrastructure in road and rail transport to allow smooth movement of goods and services.  This paper aimed to critically review the impact of the SGR development on Kenya in the context of regional planning and development. The methodology of the study was a critical review of existing literature and secondary data. Study findings indicated that the development of the (Standard Gauge Railway) SGR is in tandem with the development strategies of other East African Countries. Its development is incorporated in national spatial plans with the rail route targeting regions with viable populations and sustainable economic activities. Criticisms, however, revolve around the ballooning debt to finance infrastructural development and lack of prioritization f mega projects. In conclusion, despite the financial constraints, the SGR is viewed to significantly influence the socio-economic spheres while presenting challenges in the management of landscapes where it traverses in Kenya and the Region.

scholarly journals Determining of The Compliance of Local Governments To Implement The Accounting System of The Government’s Accrual Base In Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 177-190
Author(s):  
Agung Nur Probohudono ◽  
Wahyu Widayat ◽  
Siti Arifah
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Government Accounting ◽  
Financial Audit ◽  
The Republic

This study refers to the influence of the age of local government, status, number of Regional Device Task Force (SKPD), financial autonomy ratios, effectiveness ratios, local income growth ratios, and the quality of local financial reports that exist in local governments as an independent variable on the compliance of local governments to implement government accounting systems as the dependent variable. Using quantitative methods with secondary data obtained from information on the publication of the Indonesian Financial Audit Agency, the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Indonesia (BPS), and local government reports. The sample used is limited to the municipal and district governments in western Indonesia, which are being evaluated by the Indonesian Financial Audit Agency in the implementation of an accrual base government accounting system of 158 local governments namely 36 cities and 122 districts. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The research is a causality, quantitative research model, and secondary data from local governments throughout Indonesia and secondary data about the compliance of local governments in the application of Government Accounting Standards (SAP) published by the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK). The results of the hypothesis analysis conclude that the status of local government, the ratio of regional government autonomy, and the growth of local revenue significantly influence the compliance of local governments in the implementation of the accrual base government accounting system.

scholarly journals Governance and the Executive – Legislative Relations since Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 – 2019) and Beyond

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Kunle Awotokun ◽  
Olu Okotoni
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Party ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The Political ◽  
Political Climate ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The People ◽  
Democratic Regimes ◽  
Fourth Republic ◽  
History Of ◽  
Free Transition

The Year 2019 is very significant in the history of party politics in Nigeria. It marked a two decade of uninterrupted democratic regimes culminating in violent-free transition of political power from the defeated ruling political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the opposition Party-All Progressive Congress (APC). The cut-throat rivalries among the political parties, as represented in the Executive and legislature, have been responsible for the political instability of the previous republics. What has been responsible for the relative calm in the political space of Nigeria? How has political elites responded to the issue of governance since the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic? How can the Nigerian state build and improve on the current political climate? These and other issues are what the paper has addressed. The work relied contextually on secondary data for appropriate information germane to the work. The findings and analyses will benefit from prognosis that would be of immense value only not to Nigeria, but further implications for other African countries faced with similar political scenario.

scholarly journals The Lesson from the Modern American Federalism: A Challenge to Effective Public Policy Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geiguen Shin
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Power Relationship ◽  
Federal System ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Quarter Century ◽  
Policy Performance ◽  
The Past ◽  
State And Local ◽  
American Federalism

Abstract Contemporary U.S. federalism particularly since the late1960s has evolved over the course of pluralism alternating exercisable governmental powers between the federal and state governments. The complexity of the power relationship has been observed in a variety of policies during the past quarter-century as has the discussion of whether or not contemporary U.S. federalism has developed in a way that increase effective public policy performance. Focusing mainly on the period of the past 50 years of U.S. federalism history, this article suggests that federalism dynamics have not exercised either constant liberal or conservative influence on public policy performance. Instead, this article suggests that the clear functional responsibility between the federal government and state and local governments have characterized contemporary U.S. federalism-more federal responsibility for redistribution and more state and local responsibility for development, which in turn increased public policy performance. This feature has been quite substantial since 1970s. As a result, this article suggests that despite the increased complexity of the U.S. federal system, it has evolved in such an appropriate way that would increase the efficiency of federal system by dividing a clear intergovernmental responsibility on major policy platforms.

Performance Evaluation of Local Body of Pokhara Metropolitan City

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55
Author(s):  
Girdhari Dahal
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Local Elections ◽  
Governance System ◽  
Metropolitan City ◽  
Generating Capacity

Local governments are the closest unit of government to the people at grass root levels. The principal objective of this paper is to evaluate the performance of the local government of Pokhara Metropolitan City that lies in Kaski district, Nepal. This paper describes and analyzes the performance of the newly formed local government. It is based on the source of primary data from fieldwork with ground theory and secondary data- journal articles, books, Constitution of Nepal, 2015, act, rule, and regulations. The election of local government was held in Nepal in 2017, after 20 years. It is expected to bring political stability as well as peace and prosperity in Nepal. Nepal has been restructured as a federal democratic republic nation with federal, provinces and local government units- for sharing of power among the three tiers of government. Following the local elections, Pokhara Metropolitan City has already ratified more than six dozen laws (rules and regulations) for effective day to day service delivery to the local people. With grievances and grudges, the Nepalese people are experiencing the governance system of local bodies but the notion of people’s participation is more rhetoric. Also, financial capacity-both expenditure capacity and revenue generating capacity has severely limited the operational efficiency of local government. Moreover, transparency in public affairs has not been fully achieved yet.

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