Sustaining Good Governance through Effective Intergovernmental Relations in Nigeria: A Focus on IMO State- Local Government Relations

Abstract

Intergovernmental relations are basically one of the fundamental tenets of federalism. Effective IGR practice is a sin qua non for the sustenance of good governance in a federation like Nigeria. Objectives of this paper are to examine the interconnectedness between good governance and intergovernmental relations in the Nigerian federation and its effects on the rural dwellers. Secondly, examine the fiscal behaviour of Imo Sate towards its local governments and the impact of such relations on the standard of living of the people. The study argued that the fundamental cause of stunted development among the local government of Imo State is the excessive usurpation of politico-administrative powers of LGAs and illegal diversion of funds statutorily allocated for the LGAs. The study was predicated on the theory of structural –functionalism as espoused by Almond and Powell (1966).The study applied a qualitative research method, utilizing data from the secondary source while content analysis and trends analytical techniques were adopted for data analysis .It is our finding that the major setback to good governance at the grass root is the ambiguous position of the LGA as provided by the 1999 constitution which provided a leeway for the state to plunder the LGAs. The study recommended expunging the constitutional ambiguity against the LGAs through amendment of the relevant section. In conclusion, good governance is not attenable amidst flagrant violation of doctrine of non-interference.