Political parties laud Reps’ move to grant LGs financial autonomy

Political parties laud Reps’ move to grant LGs financial autonomy
NAN-H-5
Autonomy
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Lagos, Nov. 4, 2016 (NAN) Some political parties on Friday in Lagos lauded the move by the House of Representatives to grant financial autonomy to local governments in the country.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the parties noted that state and local government joint account was responsible for underdevelopment at the grassroots.
NAN reports that a bill to grant financial autonomy to local governments on Wednesday scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nkiruka Onyejeocha (PDP-Abia), seeks to alter Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
Section 162 provides for the State/Local Government Joint Account into which all revenues accruing to the councils from the federation account are paid.
Mr Nkem Lemchi, Lagos State Chairman, African Democratic Congress, said that the people at the grassroots would benefit from local government autonomy, if granted.
“There are three levels of government – federal, state and local governments; the federal that has no physical constituency enjoys financial autonomy and ditto the states.
“But the local governments that have direct proximity to the people have their fund tied to the state governments’ dictates.
“This is absolutely a disservice to democratic principles, if democracy is for the people as being touted.
“It is very expedient that local governments enjoy the autonomy so as to fast-track development; there is no further excuse for such lapses,’’ said the party chieftain.
The Lagos state Chairman of KOWA Party, Chief Gboyega Adeniji, said autonomy for local governments was long overdue.
“It is long overdue as financial autonomy for local governments is the essence of restructuring our grassroots democracy.
“Government has been too far from the people; so, power must be decentralised so that dividends of democracy can get to the real tax payers,’’ the KOWA party chairman said.
The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, Dr Akin Badmus, also said financial autonomy would strengthen local government administration.
“If the law is passed by the National Assembly, it will strengthen the administration of local governments.
“New councils created by governors will go because it will not be recognised by the constitution except the 774 approved councils,’’ Badmus said.
The National Chairman of Progressive Action Council, Chief Charles Nwodo, said financial autonomy for local governments would ease tension at the grassroots.
“It is a very good development; it will put an end to violence, draw people closer to government and create job opportunities.
“ However, I think financial autonomy was part of local government reform but I will rather prefer a total reform of local government administration,’’ Nwodo said. (NAN)
LED/OSA/WOJ
(Edited by Shittu Obassa / Wale Ojetimi)
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