President Tinubu has been asked by the Senate to convene a National Dialogue to deliberate on full autonomy for Local Government Areas in the Country.
The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South) during plenary.
Senator Sumaila, while presenting the motion, lamented the neglect of the Local Government system in many parts of the country.
Speaking further, he said State Governors are attempting to frustrate the establishment of autonomy for Local Government Areas across the country.
” Some Governors play a crucial role in frustrating local Government autonomy in Nigeria through Constitutional alterations process. “With limited financial and operational autonomy, Local Government Areas might struggle to effectively address Local security concerns like Community policing Initiatives, intelligent gathering and Infrastructure maintenance.
” Local Government Areas who are major employers of Labour are financially constrained and unable to hire the necessary Staff. This surge in unemployment creates a pool of Vulnerable Individuals Susceptible to Criminal recruitment further exacerbating the Nation’s security issues”
The Distinguished Senator, Sumaila therefore prayed that the Senate call on President Tinubu to be at the forefront of encouraging State Governors to ensure Local Government autonomy in their respective State.
He however asked the upper Chamber to ensure that Federal agencies fully comply with existing legal provisions that empowers Local Governments, ensuring timely release of allocated funds directly to their bank accounts and streamlining administrative processes.
Senator Sumaila who later demanded a unified electoral system and tenure of office for the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors urged the Senate to encouraged President Tinubu to stop allocation of funds to Caretaker committe- led to Local Government Areas in the Country.
Themotion was thereafter put to Vote and majority of the Senators voted in Support of it.
TheDeputy Senate President then direct the clerk of the Senate,. Chinedu Akubuaze to communicate the resolution to the appropriate authority.
