The Deputy Speaker, Nigerian House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase has called for an effective and efficient local government system as a measure to address the numerous challenges facing the country.
He was speaking at the Leadership Capacity Building Conference for Local Government’s elected Officials from Delta State.
Wase who urged civil society groups and individuals to join hands and emancipate local government in the country expressed optimism in the capacity of local government in addressing a myriad of socio-economic and political challenges facing the country.
“My dream for the country is to have a very sound, viral working local government system. When you achieve that in Nigeria, all the security challenges we are facing in this country will be solved”, he said.
Constitution amendment
The Deputy Speaker who is also the Chairman, Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Amendment, expressed optimism that “before the end of this administration, we should deliver on our constitution amendment to provide a workable local government system that will be the true third tier of government.”
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, sponsor of the two day conference said the programme was to equip the elected officials from his constituency on how to serve their people better.
“One of the States that voted for local government autonomy was Delta State. My Governor supported it the last time it came in 2015 to 2019 amendment/alteration and the Houses of Assembly that supported it were about 10 States that voted in favor of it; Delta was among them”, he said.
Professor Epiphany Azinge, in a keynote address charged the elected officials as critical stakeholders to be responsible, accountable and selfless in discharging their constitutional duties.
“I want to advise you all to master your mandate as provided by the Constitution and extant laws and regulations.
As the third tier of government, you are critical stakeholders in our federal system of government. Be informed therefore that leadership comes with responsibility.
Therefore you must show responsibility in all ramifications of your duties and obligations. And you do that by showing and demonstrating leadership to your staff and your people by being accountable in all you do, by being selfless and altruistic by observing due process and the rule of law by avoiding the culture of impunity”, he said.
Nneka Ukachukwu
