Ex NIMASA DG, ADE DOSUNMU BACKS FULL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY
…says it will strengthen Nigeria’s Democratic institutions
By Mcanthony Onuoha
A Former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency – NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, MON has commended the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, for approaching the Supreme Court to demand full administrative and financial autonomy for the 774 Local Government Areas across the country.
In a press release captioned, “Financial and Administrative Autonomy for Local Governments will be a Game Changer in our Democratic Experience, personally signed by him and made available to the media, he said that the proposal by the Federal Government to grant full Autonomy to the local governments in Nigeria was a welcome development and long overdue.
In his words, “I commend the Federal government whose Attorney General Of The Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has approached the Supreme Court to pursue this landmark initiative. There is no doubt that our Democratic journey has been very slow due to lack of Autonomy for the third tier of government as practised in other Democratic climes.”
“The office of the Attorney General of The Federation should however bear in mind the ambiguity in the 4th schedule and section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which recognises local governments as the third tier of government, but also in a contradictory manner, gives some functions to State Government and Houses of Assembly with regards to Local Government Administration. This and other contradictory clauses need to be amended to reflect the complete financial and Administrative autonomy as being operated in other federal systems.”
“I commend the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for this bold step and urge him to go all out to break this jinx by removing the clog in the wheel of our development and progress. You can imagine the impact that will be made if the 774 local governments are independent and free from the apron strings of the state governments. Nigerians will immediately start enjoying the dividends of democracy directly across the country in all the 774 Local Governments, and also have a say in determining the Political leadership at their Local Governments. ” Dosunmu said.
Furthermore, the Public Policy Expert stated that, “The fact that every Nigerian lives in a local Government underscores the strategic importance of granting full autonomy to the Local Governments. The benefit of this initiative is huge and should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The outstanding benefit of this initiative is that it will attract more quality personalities to take part in the running of Local Governments and reduce the emphasis on the State and Federal Governments thereby widening the space for political inclusiveness. This will invariably reduce the burden on Federal and State Governments, allowing them to focus on broader policy issues.
Other benefits of Local Governments autonomy includes the power to govern and make decisions independently which can lead to efficient service delivery, it will also foster transparency and accountability as Local Governments will be responsible for their decisions, finances and actions leading to better governance.”
“Again , It will strengthen our democratic institutions by ensuring a more equitable distribution of power and resources. Local Governments, being the closest to the people, are in a better position to understand the needs of their community and provide same.”
“In summary, granting full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria will lead to better governance, increased citizens participation, improved service delivery, and accelerated development at the grassroots level. This is no doubt the way to go in our determination to achieving good governance and development.” Dosunmu said.
