Abstract:
The primary purpose of this study is to examine the role of local government in rural development in Nigeria, using Emohua local government area of Rivers as the case study 1996 – 2010”. To fulfill this objectives we made used of two research questions and two hypothesis to investigate our research questions. The political economy theoretical frame work was found more convenient to this study. Also, we used primary and secondary sources of data collection. Again in this study, data collected was analysed using simple percentage and presented in a table, simple percentage, table and descriptive statistical analysis were adopted as our method of data analysis. From this study, it was clearly understood that inadequate financing by both the Rivers-state and federal Government hinders the council from carrying out her developmental programmes. Finally we recommended as follows: (1). The local government needs to be made much more financially viable and strong.( 2). The revenue allocation formula as it is presents, is not fair and should be reviewed in such a way that the percentage to local government should be increased. We therefore suggest that the federal should be allocated 45% while the state and local government should respectively receive 35% and 20%. The above percentage distribution, represent the minimum that should be given to the state and local governments, if the ruling elite are serious in the pronouncements about the development of the rural areas, and( 3). The statutory allocations to the local governments, should be paid directly to them for instance, through a “local government bank” to ensure that state government do not at anytime “embezzle” these allocations.
