The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Hon. Micah Jiba, disclosed desire to lobby for the autonomy of local government areas in the Territory and the country at large , if given the mandate to become the next National President of later this month.
Jiba, who made this known to journalists during a press briefing, in Abuja, said he did not see the reason why local government, which is part of the three tiers of government, cannot be autonomous, since over 70 per cent of Nigerians are from the grassroots.
According to him, people claimed to be from the city, but they fail to realize that it was the local government areas that build up the city.
He said that’s why he wants to make sure that local governments in the FCT and the country at large get the autonomous power that they deserved.
“There is nothing in life that has no solution, but what matters is how you as a leader can approach that situation. If you can approach it in a proper way, certainly, you must get the solution to it.
“The issue of local government autonomy is just a matter of approach to the governors, presidency and the National Assembly, that will make it a reality. I have the ability to approach all of them and make them understand our plight.
“When I become the ALGON President, we are going to always speak with one voice, our activities will be uniform and we will make sure that we penetrate anywhere to get what is due to us as local governments in Nigeria.
“That is why I am asking my local government colleagues to give me the opportunity to lead them at the national level, so that the challenges in the local government areas will become a thing of the past. I am not saying that I am the best, or that I will do more than any other person, because as a leader you should do your best and leave the rest to God, but, I know that I will make a difference as ALGON President.
“With my experience as the ALGON chairman of FCT, if I become the National President, I will certainly contribute my quota beyond expectations will make sure that the problems the association is facing today will come to an end.
“We will not leave any stone unturned, and the responsibility and autonomous powers of the local government would be status quo,” he said.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
