The Local government is
as important as the federal government if not more
.
This is the third tier of government that is given the responsibility
of providing basic political/societal needs. It is supposed to ensure the
security and well being of people at the local level. Its responsible for the
provision of such amenities as rural roads, local market, pipe-borne water (na
land mark achievement to some state governors), primary education as well as
settlement dispute at the local level. Its judicial process at the customary no
doubt is faster and more people-friendly than the federal and state judiciary.
I
am of the opinion that the local government is sacrosanct and irreplaceable,
but the reason(s) it is considered irrelevant by most Nigerians is
unfathomable. We seem to regard a local government council as a ceremonial
gathering of friends of the Governor/King. We behold it as that entity that
serves no purpose, hence its manipulation by state governments.
The
position of the local government cannot be overemphasized. The constitution in
section 7 mandates every state to ensure the existence of local government
councils under a law which provides for the establishment, structure,
composition, finance and functions of such councils.
What
we see today is the reluctance of state governors to permit local government
existence in their states or otherwise manipulate the process just to have some
loyal puppets as Chairmen and Councilors.
The
recently concluded Local government election in Lagos is adjudged not encouraging
due to the low turn out.
Our
attitude to this election is very poor. It implies that the democratic
principle of popular participation is an illusion and it poses threat to
rural/regional development as well as our actualization of true federalism.
Our
nonchalance toward the election permits the Chairmen and Councilors to
misrepresent us in the economic and political planning of our community. It shows
we are not concerned about the funds allocated to the councils therefore excuse
their squandering, unaccountability and lackadaisicalness. We are indirectly
saying the community projects are of no importance to us.
The
local government has become a boot-hill where incompetence, illiteracy and un-seriousness
are deposited.
The
incompetence, un-seriousness and carelessness witnessed in state governments
start from the local government. These acts follow them to the federal level
and they dishonorably exhibit frivolities.
What
is your attitude towards the local government and its election? You can as well
rate your local government.
copyright © Oluwatobi Odeyinka.
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