In a powerful address to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians at the grassroots level to hold their local government leaders accountable for the development and welfare of their communities.
Speaking at a national conference on local government autonomy held in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the crucial role that local governments play in the country’s democratic and developmental processes.
President Tinubu highlighted that local government autonomy is essential for effective governance, as it brings administration closer to the people and allows for better understanding and addressing of local issues.
He noted that when local governments are empowered and properly managed, they can significantly contribute to the nation’s overall progress by implementing policies and projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
“True democracy thrives when the people at the grassroots are actively involved in governance. It is time for every Nigerian to hold their local government leaders responsible for their actions and inactions,” Tinubu declared.
He stressed that accountability at the local level is the foundation upon which national development is built and called on citizens to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring their leaders deliver on their mandates.
The President’s call for increased accountability comes amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of local governments in Nigeria. Despite constitutional provisions granting autonomy to local governments, many have struggled with issues such as inadequate funding, corruption, and political interference from state governments.
Tinubu acknowledged these challenges but insisted that the path to resolving them lies in stronger civic engagement and oversight.
Tinubu also urged state governments to respect the autonomy of local governments, allowing them to operate independently and fulfill their constitutional roles.
He called for reforms that would ensure local governments have direct access to federal allocations and are not subjected to undue control by state authorities.
“State governments must play a supportive role, not a domineering one,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to governance.
During the conference, various stakeholders, including local government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders, shared their experiences and suggestions on enhancing local government effectiveness.
There was a consensus on the need for capacity building, transparency, and improved public participation in local governance.
The conference concluded with a resolution to develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating the performance of local government officials.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governments and fostering a culture of accountability at all levels of governance.
He encouraged citizens to utilize available channels to report any malpractices and to actively participate in local government activities.
“Our collective progress depends on our ability to ensure that every level of government works for the people,” Tinubu stated, reinforcing the importance of grassroots involvement in the democratic process.
