In a bold move, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has publicly criticized the Federal Government (FG) for its handling of local government autonomy, accusing it of being unfair to his state.

This statement has sparked a heated debate on the role of the federal government in granting autonomy to local governments.

According to Governor Diri, the FG's stance on local government autonomy is a clear violation of the principles of federalism, which Nigeria prides itself on. He argued that the FG's refusal to grant full autonomy to local governments is a deliberate attempt to stifle their growth and development. "It is unacceptable that the FG continues to hold onto the reins of power, stifling the ability of local governments to function effectively," Governor Diri lamented.

The governor's outburst comes on the heels of a recent decision by the FG to withhold funds meant for local governments in Bayelsa State. Governor Diri sees this move as a ploy to punish his state for its perceived political differences with the FG. "This is a clear case of political vendetta, and it will not be tolerated," he warned.

Governor Diri's call for local government autonomy is not new. For years, state governments have been clamoring for greater control over their affairs, citing the need for more autonomy to address peculiar challenges facing their respective states. However, the FG has been reluctant to grant this autonomy, citing concerns over the ability of local governments to manage funds prudently.

The issue of local government autonomy is a complex one, with both sides presenting valid arguments.

While the FG argues that granting full autonomy to local governments could lead to financial recklessness, state governments like Bayelsa argue that they are better positioned to address the unique needs of their people.

As the debate rages on, Governor Diri's outburst has brought the issue to the forefront of national discourse.

It remains to be seen how the FG will respond to the governor's allegations, but one thing is certain – the call for local government autonomy will not go away anytime soon.

The face-off between Governor Douye Diri and the FG over local government autonomy is a symptom of a larger problem – the struggle for power and control in Nigeria's federal system.

As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of federalism, it is imperative that all parties work towards finding a solution that benefits all Nigerians, not just a select few.