Politics

Local government autonomy will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy — NNPP chieftain

A Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has said that the autonomy of local government administration will not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also stabilises its existence and enhance better livelihood of the masses, calling on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to expedite action on the passage of the local government autonomy bill.

He stated this via a statement on Saturday on various issues relating to political and economic matters, particularly on the deteriorating condition of roads and primary health facilities in almost all 36 states, especially Ogun.

The billionaire business mogul and politician stressed that the Federal Republic of Nigeria remains a corporate democratic setting whose administrative system could not be acknowledged as complete without granting autonomy to the local government which is the closest to the people at the grassroots.

Ajadi, a governorship candidate of the NNPP in Ogun at the 2023 elections said many Nigerians are more concerned about the Federal and State budget, not minding that of local government that is very close to them.

He said the power being granted to Federal and State governments in Nigeria to enjoy their autonomy and prevention of undue interference by any tier of government should be replicated at the local government level.

He added that local government is the closest to the rural dwellers and the only way and means to make those inhabitants enjoy the dividends and goodies of democracy is by giving autonomy to local government.

Ajadi maintained that it was undemocratic for the state governments in the country to continue eroding the powers and functions of Local Government with introduction of caretaker administrative system, stressing that its introduction in a fully democratic setting is an aberration to the system of government the country is operating.

He said that the federal system of government in the country gave room for federal, state and local governments to remain and exist in their own jurisdiction but it is amazing that local government’s powers and functions have been taken over by many state governments.

NNPP guber candidate lamented that the state governments’ taken over of financial power, inability to present fiscal budget, execution of notable projects have no doubt rendered local governments toothless bulldogs.

He called on both the Houses of Representatives and Senate to enhance not only the theoretical autonomy of the third tier of government but also it’s practical free governing.

Ajadi described leadership problem as one of the major obstacles hindering the possibility of local government autonomy in Nigeria’s democratic setting, stressing that majority of those who are fortunate to serve as local chairmen are square pegs in a round hole and round pegs in a square hole.

He pointed out that when the needed qualities of leadership and democratic tenets are not embedded in those who are charged to serve at the local levels, attaining optimal results, effectiveness and efficiency would be a herculean task.

Ajadi said there were so many things which are not within the purview of state governments, adding that it was only chairmen who can identify the needs of grassroots and deliver such effectively, hence the need for local government autonomy.

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