In order to ensure efficient service delivery and rapid grassroot development across the country, Local Government autonomy is the way out.
Com. Afolabi Abayomi, the Oyo State Secretary of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) stated this in a statement released to newsmen on Tuesday in reaction to concerns raised by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker of Oyo State and the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly against granting of Local Government autonomy at the just concluded National Discourse on Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Level held in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin must have been quoted out of context, being a Youth who rose to that exalted position with expectation to represent the common people from the Local Government where he emerged.
“He should not forget that the Local Government system all over Nigeria has been devitalized, castrated, and impoverished from performing their constitutional functions” he stated.
His words, “the argument that financial autonomy would lead to increased corruption is also unconvincing. Corruption can occur at any level of government, but with robust accountability and transparency mechanisms, it can be effectively mitigated”
Com. Abayomi, however, advised that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies must be strengthened, that this should not be a reason to deny Local Governments the autonomy they need to manage their resources effectively.
“Local Government autonomy is essential for true federalism and grassroots development in Nigeria. It will empower Local Governments to be more responsive and accountable to the people they serve” he concluded.
