As a way of tackling the issue of insecurity, underdevelopment and high rate of unemployment in Nigeria, the member representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo, has proposed for Local Government System to be granted independence, so that the 774 Local Government Areas can access funds accrued to the them for development.
The former federal Lawmaker said there is a need for the third tier of government to be allowed to function independently as this would contribute to driving down democracy dividends to the grassroots, as well, help tackle issues of insecurity and unemployment in Nigeria.
In a television interview, the ex lawmaker that represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, said already the National Assembly has made changes on section 124,Sub section 3 regarding State Independent Electoral Commission and that INEC conducts election for the 774 LGAs in Nigeria
According to him, alot of funds are allocated to the Local Government from the federal account but the funds are not being accessed by the Local Government chairmen because they are not independent, revealing that between 1997 and 1998, the situation was not so,as the chairmen were somehow independent but moving to 1999 and 2003, their powers watered down and lamented that today the local government only exist on paper and they are nolonger doing what they were set up to do by the constitution.
He added that between 1999-2003, the chairmen were to a large extent very productive engaging in road construction, electricity project, construction of market amongst other basic amenities.
The NEDC Board member, however, praised the political sagacity of the nation’s President, opining that if the president can call the governors together to discuss on ways to move the local government system forward, then the local government can function maximally, for the overall good of the country.
He added that once the local government are given full independence, the system will get working and the youths will be actively engaged, reducing the issue of employment.
