Kogi Youth Groups Demand Immediate Local Government Autonomy
A powerful coalition of youth organizations and civil society groups from Kogi State has issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding concrete action toward implementing full local government autonomy as guaranteed by the constitution.
The groups, spearheaded by the Igala Youth Council Worldwide, made their position clear during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday. During the event, they presented a detailed review of allocation figures for three local government areas—Dekina, Yagba East, and Adavi—covering the 2024 fiscal year and part of 2025.
Financial Discrepancies and Demand for Transparency
Onogu Collins, the President-General of Igala Youth Council, revealed that their analysis of publicly available records uncovered significant gaps between allocations received and actual salary expenditures across various local government councils. These findings raise serious questions that require immediate clarification and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
Collins emphasized that the organizations are not making unfounded allegations but rather calling for greater transparency to strengthen governance at the grassroots level. The coalition has demanded an independent audit of all local government allocations in Kogi State from 2024 to the present date.
Constitutional Backing and Federal Directives
The youth groups' demands come against the backdrop of a landmark Supreme Court ruling on July 11, 2024, which declared that local governments must receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account. The court found the long-standing practice of routing funds through state governments unconstitutional.
In response to this ruling, the Federal Government established an inter-agency panel to oversee implementation and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to open individual accounts for each of the 774 local government councils nationwide to facilitate direct disbursements. Despite these clear directives, the process remains largely unimplemented in Kogi State.
Collins stated unequivocally: "Despite the constitutional provision guaranteeing full autonomy of local government finances by the Federal government, the state government continues to interfere with and control funds meant for local governments."
Specific Demands and Consequences
The coalition has called for immediate investigation by the National Assembly, anti-graft agencies, and relevant federal oversight bodies. Their key demands include:
- Full access to statutory funds for local government chairmen without executive interference
- Immediate cessation of returning local government funds to state government control
- Complete transparency regarding utilization of funds remaining after salary payments
- Support from traditional rulers, labor unions, and media in defending grassroots democracy
Collins delivered a powerful message: "Local Government Autonomy is not a privilege—it is a constitutional right. No government has the authority to convert public funds into personal or partisan resources."
The coalition warned that failure to comply with their 21-day ultimatum will result in statewide civic action, including peaceful protests, legal interventions, and sustained advocacy campaigns. The future of Kogi State belongs to its people, not to a few individuals who see public office as private enterprise.
The youth groups have made it clear they will not be silenced or ignored in their pursuit of justice, accountability, and dignity for the people of Kogi State.
