The Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), under the leadership of Comrade Adeogun Ayobami, remains resolute in its commitment to local government autonomy. Despite numerous challenges, NULGE stands firm, eagerly anticipating the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which promises a significant transformation in grassroots governance.
“Despite numerous challenges, the union stands resolutely in anticipation of the Supreme Court’s judgment implementation, which promises to bring a significant transformation to the governance structure at the grassroots level,” Adeogun said.
Comrade Ayobami highlighted the critical importance of local government autonomy, likening it to bringing forth a new world from the ashes of the old. He emphasized that this paradigm shift is not merely a political adjustment but a profound transformation that promises to rejuvenate local governance, enhance accountability, and drive sustainable development at the grassroots.
“For decades, NULGE has been a vocal advocate for the autonomy of local governments across Nigeria’s 774 councils. The union has tirelessly campaigned, lobbied, and engaged stakeholders at various levels to realize this objective,” Adeogun asserted.
The push for autonomy is grounded in the belief that local councils when granted full autonomy, can better manage resources, respond to local needs, and implement development projects more effectively and efficiently. The anticipation of local government autonomy is not just about administrative independence but also about empowering local councils to fulfill their constitutional mandates and functions as detailed in the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, without undue interference from higher tiers of government. This shift aims to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots.
Local governments are responsible for maintaining law and order, constructing and maintaining feeder roads, bridges, drainage systems, and public buildings within their jurisdictions, registering births, deaths, and marriages, providing motor parks and markets, and collecting taxes, fines, and fees, among other duties.
As NULGE continues to await the implementation of autonomy, it is crucial to recognize that this change is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The goal is to enhance the capacity of local governments to fulfill these functions more effectively, thereby improving the quality of life for all citizens.
The union has made it clear that it will not support any move that falls short of national directives in ensuring that local councils are empowered to deliver on their mandates, thereby fostering development, promoting good governance, and enhancing the well-being of the populace.
In conclusion, the journey towards local government autonomy is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. Oyo NULGE remains undeterred, resolutely awaiting the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment that will herald a new era of empowered and autonomous local councils across Nigeria. This transformation promises to bring governance closer to the people, enhance accountability, and drive sustainable development at the grassroots.
