CARETAKER COMMITTEES AND DEMOCRATIC AUTONOMY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA (1999-2022)

Abstract

The use of appointed caretaker committees in the running of local governments contradicts the democratic autonomy of the local government provided by the1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. This has elicited a number of questions calling for clarifications. With the purpose of questioning the interest behind the use of caretaker committees and their effects on the democratic autonomy of the local governments in Imo State, Nigeria, the study relied on descriptive methodological design and benefited from documentary materials, personal observation and interviews. It utilized elite and Marxist theories as the findings revealed that the use of caretaker committees in the running of local government is anchored on political elite interest, the fear of opposition by the ruling political actors and lack of specific tenure of office by the elected local government council. The paper recommended among others the amendment of the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly Section 8 which gives unrestricted control of localgovernments to the state government. It also called for specific term of office of the elected council and institutionalization of democratic governance in the local  governments.