The Office of the Citizen (OOTC) has thrown its weight behind calls for local government autonomy in Nigeria, saying it would help to achieve the desired development plans for the citizenry.
The OOTC disclosed this at the maiden virtual democracy dialogue themed “Promoting Sustainable Development Models for Effective Local Governance.”
Speaking during the event, the founder, #FixPolitics, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili said, “Nigeria is faced with serious structural challenges in its democracy and governance, and nothing works until structural solutions are provided.”
According to her, the country’s problems cannot be solved by the top governance cadre unless the grassroots are involved.
“That means we cannot start solving problems of the country from the rooftops. We believe that for functionality, we have to correct the structure, which is at the centre of constitutional change. A Nigeria that works has to be designed by the people. We need to place the grassroots at the heart of the Nigeria project,” she added.
Social activist, Aisha Yesufu, called for total citizen inclusion in the democratic process, even at home. Government, according to her, should involve the citizens in decision-making.
Yesufu advocated attitudinal change in governance and autonomy for local government administration.
“We need to understand that people have the right to make demands; ask for explanations. Asking questions is good, and that means they believe in the government. There should be attitudinal change. Presently, the local government’s loyalty has been to the state government and not the people who elected them. That has to change,” she said.
On his part, the executive chairman, Igbogbo-Baiyeku local council development area, Lagos State, Olusesan Daini, agreed with Yesufu on the call for local government autonomy.
