A group of community leaders in Offa, Kwara state, championing local government autonomy, has called on the National Assembly to take legislative action to transfer the responsibility of conducting local government elections from State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group, led by the Bobaselu of Offa, Chief Abdullatif Kunle Ajeigbe, in a statement on the outcome of the local government election in Kwara state, advocated for true financial and administrative independence for local councils.
Ajeigbe emphasised that state governors’ control over SIECs allowed them to manipulate local elections and install loyalists, thereby, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“True democracy cannot thrive when local elections are subject to manipulation by state governments. This legislative initiative is critical to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots”, he said.
While highlighting the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration in addressing the financial autonomy of local councils, Ajeigbe urged the president to accelerate efforts towards full restructuring, which he said would bolster governance across all tiers.
He noted that restructuring would address other critical areas of governance, including ensuring the proper functioning of local governments. “President Tinubu has shown a strong commitment to restructuring and empowering local governments. While he has noted that this process will be systematic, we believe the recent events in Kwara State demonstrate that it must be expedited,” Ajeigbe added.
The group also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the community and well-meaning individuals who have supported their cause. Ajeigbe was quick to clarify that the group harbours no ill-will toward the Kwara State government or any member of the community, insisting that their demands were rooted in a desire for fairness and transparency in governance.
“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the men and women of goodwill who have stood by us in this fight for true local government autonomy,” he said.
“We bear no malice towards the Kwara State government or any community. Our goal is to ensure fairness, transparency, and effective governance at the grassroots level.”
Ajeigbe reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring that local governments in Kwara State, and across Nigeria, are given the financial and administrative independence necessary to meet the needs of the people.
“The autonomy of local governments is not just a political issue; it is essential to the proper functioning of our democracy and the development of our communities,” Ajeigbe concluded.
The statement comes in the wake of increasing calls for local government reforms across Nigeria, with many advocates hoping the recent Supreme Court ruling will pave the way for a more accountable and transparent governance structure at the grassroots level.
The people, who condemned the recently concluded Kwara State local government elections, highlighted the need for immediate reforms to restore credibility to local governance.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
UNGA79: Tinubu insists on permanent UN Security Council seat for Nigeria
and then