Former Governors Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo have attributed the challenges facing local government councils in Nigeria to provisions within the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking at the National Dialogue on Local Government Reforms and Constitutional Amendment in Abuja, they highlighted that while Section 7 of the Constitution recognizes local governments as a tier of government, it also grants state assemblies significant legislative control over their operations.
The former governors advocated for financial and operational autonomy for local councils, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in managing local government affairs.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Review, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, highlighted inadequate funding as a major barrier to local government development. He explained that limited budgets undermine the councils’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
Hon. Abbas also noted concerns over the quality of local government elections, stressing that electoral reforms are necessary to strengthen democratic processes at the grassroots level.
The dialogue underscored the urgent need for reforms to enhance autonomy, accountability, and functionality within Nigeria’s local government councils, aiming to improve service delivery and grassroots governance.
ADBN NEWS.
