The House of Representatives has expressed its readiness to support President Bola Tinubu’s push to grant independence to local governments, a move targeted at enhancing democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The deputy spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, said Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is “fully committed” to supporting the President’s constitutional reform agenda aimed at sustaining democracy in Nigeria across all tiers of government.
Last week, the Federal Government dragged the 36 state governors before the Supreme Court, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy for local governments.
Among the injunctions the government is urging the apex court to issue is an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on the unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government chairmen, and constituting caretaker committees to succeed them.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Agbese said, “Granting autonomy to local governments is a vital step towards empowering our communities and ensuring effective service delivery.
“We believe this reform will promote transparency, accountability, and good governance at the local level. The Speaker and the House are eager to work with the executive arm to make it a reality.
“The move aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House to promote good governance and empower the grassroots. Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and their autonomy is crucial for effective service delivery, economic development, and democratic growth.”