12th March, 2020
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, ÀPC, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, has called for local government autonomy in the country.
He said this would enable grassroots people benefit immensely from the dividends of democracy.
Olusi, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, made the call during the familiarisation and working visit of the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed, to both the Lagos Island Local Government and Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area in Lagos on Wednesday..
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Taiwo Salaam; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Bayo Oshiyemi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Community Affairs, Prince Olusi and other senior government officials.
According to Olusi, Lagos is a resourceful state where all tiers of government existed to complement each other, adding that if local governments were given autonomy as it was being clamoured, being the grassroots, closer to the downtrodden in the communities, it would help grassroots people benefit immensely from the dividends of democracy.
“We are calling on the government at all levels to grant autonomy to the local government so that the grassroots’ people can benefit immensely from the dividends of democracy,” Olusi said.
Speaking, Ahmed said his visit to all local government in the state would enable government know how each council has performed, which project they were embarking on and what their challenges were.
He also said beginning the working visit with Lagos Island was not an accident, bu deliberate being the premier local government in Nigeria and particularly the seat of the foremost chieftains of the ruling party and where Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu Rilwan resides.
“It is not by accidents that we commenced the working visit with Lagos Island Local government and LCDA, it is as a result of its nature as a premier local government, coupled with the respect we have for our party elders and chieftain; our chieftain resides on Lagos Island and we have been tapping from their wealth of experience, like what happened today. Also, this is the local government of our Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos resides.” Ahmed said.
Also speaking, Salaam commended the Lagos Island LG and LCDA for their warm reception, adding that the visit was to enable government know how far as they had gone project execution.