Meaning of section 7 (1) of 1999 constitution

What is the Meaning of section 7 subsection one of Nigeria 1999 constitution. In this article I will like to explain the Meaning of section 7 (1) of 1999 constitution

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Meaning of section 7 (1) of 1999 constitution

The section 7 subsection 1 of Nigeria 1999 constitution rules that guide Local Government stated that

The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.

This legal section is stating that:

1 The system of local government through democratically elected councils is protected and guaranteed by this Constitution.-

2 Each State Government must, with some exceptions (as mentioned in section 8), ensure that local government councils exist and function under a law that:

– Establishes the structure and composition of the councils

– Defines their financial resources and management

– Specifies their functions and responsibilities

3 Local government councils, elected by the people, are an essential part of Nigeria’s political system.

4 Each State must pass a law to create and regulate these councils, ensuring they have:

– A clear structure and membership

– Adequate funding and financial management

– Defined roles and responsibilities

This provision aims to ensure that local governments have the autonomy and resources needed to effectively serve their communities.

This clause is establishing the following regarding local government in Nigeria:

1. Local Government by Democratically Elected Councils is Guaranteed:

The Constitution guarantees that local government will be carried out through democratically elected local councils.

2. State Governments Must Ensure the Existence of these Local Councils:

– The government of every state is required, subject to certain exceptions, to ensure that these democratically elected local government councils exist.

3. State Governments Must Enact Laws to Establish the Local Councils:

– The state governments must pass laws that provide for the establishment, structure, composition, funding, and functions of the local government councils.

In essence, this clause is enshrining local government by democratically elected councils as a guaranteed system under the Constitution. It mandates that state governments take the necessary legislative actions to create and maintain these local government structures, with the councils having defined powers and funding. The intent appears to be to enshrine local democracy and decentralized governance as a core principle, by requiring state authorities to institutionalize and empower local government councils through appropriate legal frameworks.

This law guarantees a system of local government run by councils elected by the people. In other words, every state government must create local governments with elected councils by passing a law. This law will decide how these councils are set up, how they work, and what they are responsible for.

Key Point Explanation

1 Guarantee of Local Government The Constitution guarantees that every state will have local governments.

2 Democratically Elected Councils These local governments will be run by councils elected by the people.

3 State Law Requirement Each state must pass a law to create these local governments.

4 Law Details The law will specify how the councils are set up, how they work,and what they are responsible for.