However, we can provide you with some general insights into how local government is defined in Nigeria:
1. Legal Definitions:
* The 1979 and 1999 Constitutions: These documents define local government as the third tier of government in Nigeria, alongside the federal and state governments. They outline the powers and functions of local government, including:
* Local administration: Management of local affairs, including health, education, sanitation, etc.
* Taxation: Levying and collecting local taxes.
* Development: Planning and implementing local development projects.
* The Local Government (Establishment) Law, 1976: This law further defines the structure and functions of local governments in different states, though it may vary depending on the specific state legislation.
2. Academic Definitions:
* Political Scientists: They often emphasize the role of local government in promoting participatory democracy, providing services to citizens, and addressing local needs.
* Legal Scholars: Focus on the legal framework surrounding local government, including its powers, autonomy, and relationship with other tiers of government.
3. Perspectives from Practitioners:
* Local Government Officials: They may see local government as the "closest to the people," focusing on the practical delivery of services and addressing community concerns.
* Community Leaders: Often view local government as a platform for local representation and a means of achieving local development goals.
Key Points to Remember:
* Decentralization: Local government in Nigeria is often seen as a crucial element of decentralization, aimed at bringing governance closer to the people.
* Autonomy: The level of autonomy and financial independence enjoyed by local governments varies depending on the state and the prevailing political climate.
* Challenges: Local government in Nigeria faces various challenges, including limited financial resources, political interference, and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
To get a better understanding of specific author's viewpoints, you would need to:
1. Identify specific authors: Search for articles, books, or legal documents by authors who have written extensively on local government in Nigeria.
2. Analyze their arguments: Carefully examine their definitions, explanations, and critiques of local government within the Nigerian context.
Remember that definitions are constantly evolving, and the specific understanding of local government will depend on the individual author's perspective and the historical and political context.