Any nation that refuses to strengthen local government administration and allow it to function effectively will never develop
Mr. Emmanuel Adebunmi said this while speaking on challenges of local government in Nigeria at a workshop organized by Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees NULGE in Ibadan
Adegboyega a retired permanent secretary said so many factors hampering the development of local government in the country but majority can be solved if there is local government autonomy.
He noted that the local government which is the oldest form of government was created for effective participation of the people at the grassroots for speedy development but it has been bastardized as the state executives have rendered them totally useless.
Adegboyega said further that ” if just 30 percent of the Federal allocation were allowed to go into local government for there will be more development than what we are witnessing now.”
He described the activities of Association of Local Government Chairman of Nigeria ALGON as a disservice to local government ” It is suppose to be a platform for council chairmen to rob minds and discuss ideas that will enhance development but they have turn it to alternative legal tenders to LG. ”
“If the government devolves power to states and local government with resources to match for responsibility, there will be less dependent on the federal and people of intellect will involved in the affairs of Council
Also Mr Jide Bamgbose, with Justice Development and Peace Commission JDPC in his paper entitled : Overview on Constitutional Amendment on lG enablement said the weakness of the government institution have room for manipulation of local government. administration.
In his opening remark Comrade Titilola Sodo,President Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees NULGE called on the media to assist in the agitation for Local Government autonomy in Nigeria
