Between the Devil and Lying Angels: An Invitation for a New Perspective on State Interference in Local Government Fiscal Autonomy in Nigeria

One of the most contested issues in Nigeria’s political landscape and federal structure is debate on fiscal autonomy Local Government as third tier government. The literature subject appears to zero down issue a ‘devil’. position existing scholarship concludes that by taking advantage Sections 7 162 1999 Constitution Nigeria, it common practice for State Governors usurp Governments. are also accused using Joint Account framework control statutory allocations Hence, Governments Nigeria lacks which one main principles three tiers government structure. However, underlying politics has played out Fourth Republic reveals this historical legalistic perception does not provide complete explanation problem. This because consider role elite at level sustaining shrewd nature interaction Federal structure, rather focused entirely governor ‘devil’ ignores class grassroots “lying angels”. paper therefore an invitation deeper theoretical deconstruction phenomenon stimulate encompassing interesting perceptive what we conceptualize State-Local Interactions (SLIN). Our primary objective draw attention personalities makes up highest cadre hierarchy shaping SLIN. We present case future debates should go beyond “devil” focus profound