The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has explained why it has not submitted a new revenue formula to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Its Chairman Mohammed Bello Shehu told The Nation that it had become necessary to adapt to the prevailing socio-economic conditions and the need for a thorough scientific analysis before proceeding.

Shehu noted the significant changes in dynamics and circumstances over the past two years, which have necessitated a fresh approach to determine a new revenue formula.

He said: ?We cannot just submit what we have done before because the dynamics and the atmosphere have changed from two years ago to what it is now.?

The RMAFC boss who further explained that it must secure the buy-in of the Tinubu Administration, expressed optimism that the Commission will complete the process by the end of the year.

He identified the imminent expiration of tenures for about 20 RMAFC commissioners another critical factor contributing to the delay.

Shehu noted that whether these members will be granted a second tenure remains uncertain, complicating the reconstitution of the committee responsible for working on the new revenue formula.

?We still have to get better information and do the proper analysis scientifically so we cannot rush now into it,? Shehu insisted.

Addressing the contentious issue of local government autonomy, the RMAFC boss pointed to constitutional provisions that complicate the matter.

He explained that state assemblies are constitutionally empowered to oversee local governments, leading to issues with joint accounts.

Referencing the Abia vs. the Federation lawsuit, Shehu noted that the Supreme Court?s decision stripped the RMAFC of its role in joint local government accounts.

Shehu noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari?s Executive Order (EO) aimed at enhancing local government autonomy, which faced strong opposition from state governors.

The opposition from the chief executives of the states led to the non-implementation of the (EO).

He suggested that the National Assembly should address the contradictory demands of the constitution to resolve these issues.

Shehu also noted that constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of both the national and state assemblies.

He criticised the current state of local government areas, which he described as non-functional due to the overbearing influence of governors.

The RMAFC helmsman lamented the decline in initiatives at the local government level, comparing the present situation to 13 years ago when they built roads and schools.

?Now, governors have completely overshadowed local administration?, he added.

Drawing a contrast between governorship and local government polls, Shehu observed that while state election often show competitive results, local government polls show the sitting governors? parties winning overwhelmingly.

?Where you have semblance of fair elections, it is better for our democracy,? he concluded. (Nigerian Tribune Tribune)

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