DEMOCRACY: WHY IS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BEING RENDERED INCAPACITATED? By Oluwaseunfunmi MacLawrence-Odu'nowo

 

The local government as a arm of government in Nigeria politics for too long is being subjected to ridicule and being rendered absolutely useless. State governors have lately adopt styles of piloting the affairs of the local government which is not in tandem with democratic practise and principles of modern day democracy. 

The duties of the arms of Government are well spelt out in Nigeria constitution, but political office holders in unison have all failed in their individual legislative roles to allow those principles take proper effect.

No doubts all over the world, every country has numerous politicians whose cloaks and garbs are soaked deep inside corruption, but Nigeria as a case study has her full self deep in corrupt practises.

The State government has failed woefully in allowing the local government autonomy take full effect and also execute its own projects thereby bringing smile to people at the grassroot. 

Why must the State government install local government caretaker committee before conducting local government election? When will electorates at the grassroot feel the impact of governance? These and so many questions comes to heart.

The local government chairmen and ward councillors lives amongst the common man in diverse communities. They feel the pain and sufferings of people in their community of residence. They are aware of the real most important  needs of people at the grassroot.

How many people have direct access to the governor, senator, Commisioner etcetera? We all aware most of these high profiled Officials do not reside amidst commoners as their abodes are mostly situated in government reserved areas.

When the local government is not allowed to play its' own roles in democracy via provision of infrastructural facilities like construction of community roads, rural electrification, drilling of boreholes, installation of solar street lights, building of primary health care facilities etcetera, how do commoners enjoy dividends of democracy? 

On a final note, the State governors are un-neccessarilly arrogating projects meant for local government chairmen to themselves thereby losing navigation as regards their constitutional roles of attracting more business investors, job creation, embarking on infrastructural projects and many more to the State. We must all ensure the local government stand on its' feet again.