Adams Oshiomhole, a senator representing Edo North in Nigeria and former governor of Edo State, recently made a provocative statement while advocating for local government financial autonomy. He declared, “It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief.” This remark came during a forum organized by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. His argument was that decentralizing financial power would lead to more equitable distribution of resources across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, as opposed to concentrating resources at the state or federal level.
The statement aligns with Oshiomhole’s broader support for local government autonomy, which was strengthened by a Supreme Court ruling in July 2024 granting local governments financial independence. He emphasized that this autonomy would allow local governments to prioritize community-specific needs, such as building roads, hospitals, and other infrastructure. By having financial control, local governments could become engines of grassroots development, directly improving the lives of their constituents.
Oshiomhole’s metaphor of “774 thieves” compared to “one big thief” highlights his belief that decentralization reduces the risks of large-scale corruption. While he acknowledged the challenges of accountability at the local level, he argued that dispersing resources among many entities minimizes the systemic impact of corruption. Moreover, he suggested that financial autonomy could lead to the emergence of local economic powerhouses, with local governments fostering wealth and creating jobs.
This perspective also reflects a critique of Nigeria’s centralized governance system, where state and federal leaders have often been accused of mismanaging resources meant for local development. Oshiomhole’s remarks underline the importance of bringing governance closer to the people, making it easier to monitor and hold leaders accountable. By empowering local governments, he envisions a system that encourages more efficient use of public funds.
Oshiomhole’s comments have sparked widespread debate about the effectiveness of decentralization in curbing corruption and promoting development. While some applaud his advocacy for grassroots empowerment, critics question whether local governments have the capacity and integrity to manage increased financial responsibilities. Nevertheless, his statement reinforces ongoing discussions about governance reform and the role of local government autonomy in achieving equitable development across Nigeria.
