The House of Representatives has announced its strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to grant autonomy to local governments, a move aimed at enhancing democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Deputy spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, confirmed that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is fully committed to backing the President’s constitutional reform agenda, which seeks to sustain democracy across all tiers of government.
Last week, the Federal Government filed a lawsuit against the 36 state governors in the Supreme Court, demanding the enforcement of full autonomy for local governments. The government is requesting an injunction to stop governors from unlawfully dissolving democratically elected local government chairmen and appointing caretaker committees in their place.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Agbese highlighted the importance of granting autonomy to local governments. "This is a vital step towards empowering our communities and ensuring effective service delivery," he said. "We believe this reform will promote transparency, accountability, and good governance at the local level."
Agbese emphasized that the Speaker and the House are eager to collaborate with the executive branch to make this a reality. "This move aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House to promote good governance and empower the grassroots," he added.
Explaining the benefits of local government autonomy, Agbese noted that financial independence would enhance their capacity to address local challenges, promote economic growth, and strengthen the bond between citizens and the government. He also highlighted the role of local governments in providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, and their contribution to local economic development and job creation.
"We urge all stakeholders to join us in this historic endeavour to decentralize power and revitalize our democracy," Agbese said. "We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of federalism, democracy, and good governance, and we are confident that local government autonomy will strengthen our democratic foundations, enhance the quality of life for citizens, and promote national unity and cohesion."
