Tinubu ensures LG autonomy implementation — FG
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Tinubu ensures LG autonomy implementation — FG
* LG were once effective in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to local government autonomy as a fundamental step towards deepening democracy and driving development at the grassroots.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave this assurance on Friday when he received members of the National Forum of Ex-Councillors on a courtesy visit in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the President is focused on ensuring the full implementation of local government autonomy in line with constitutional provisions.
“The local government, which is the third tier of government, is actually the closest to the people of Nigeria, and that is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his wisdom, revisited the issue of autonomy for the local government councils.
“You are aware that some time last year, an interpretation was sought by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice at the Supreme Court and there was this pronouncement from the highest court in the land indicating that there is indeed, as enshrined in our constitution, the need for the local government councils to be autonomous; to be independent and also function in all ramifications, whether it’s political or financial,” Idris said.
He added, “Their autonomy and the ability to function very well will strengthen democracy at the grassroots and also promote development at that level.”
Reflecting on the past, the minister noted that local governments were once effective but have since been undermined.
“Over the years, we have witnessed the whittling down of the ability of the local government councils to function as enshrined in our constitution.
“The President, being a very strong democrat, believes that for our democracy to advance to the level that we want it to be, the strengthening of that tier of government is essential.
“Democracy is the best form of government, and we would not want a situation where the local government would be weakened,” he stated.
Idris urged state governors to support the President’s drive to restore local governments to the original design and intent of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
He also used the occasion to thank the ex-councillors for their dedication to democratic ideals and briefed them on Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at economic recovery and national renewal.
“I want to urge you to please support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They are not designed to create hardship for Nigerians. Yes, they might be tough at the beginning, but like the president has said, the economy is turning the corner.
“We urge you to please continue to explain to the people because you have 70,000 strong members, and all of you have your supporters across the country and across party lines. Please ensure that the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gets to Nigerians.
“Let Nigerians really understand the mission of the president, which is to restore Nigeria and put it on a solid path of sustainable prosperity,” he said.
Idris explained that the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates had led to significant savings for the government, which have, in turn, resulted in increased allocations to both state and local governments to fund development projects.
He also highlighted the creation of development commissions in all geo-political zones as part of the administration’s inclusive development strategy.
Responding to being presented with the “People-Oriented Award” by the Forum, the Minister thanked the delegation, saying the recognition would inspire him to intensify his commitment to public service.
In his remarks, the Assistant Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Cole Michaels, commended the minister for his leadership and the revitalisation of public information agencies, which he said had helped amplify the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration.
The delegation was led by the Forum’s President, Mr. Auwal Kassim Hassan, and included representatives from various states across the country.
