The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) on Friday urged the 8th National Assembly to take the necessary steps to reposition the third tier of government, in order to strengthen democracy in the country.
Ibrahim Khaleel, the NULGE National President said the local government administration needed to be strengthened for democracy to work perfectly in Nigeria.
“Most times, people concentrate majorly on the federal and state levels and forget that major development and transformation begins at the local level.”
“Paucity of funds is a hindrance to the growth of the third tier of government.”
He then urged the National Assembly to evolve laws that would aid in developing the third tier of government, especially by granting it autonomy.
“While we commend the entire members of the assembly for defending democracy, we appeal to them to find a way of repositioning the local government system in the country to have a feel of democracy, function maximally and take care of our local needs.”
“The challenges of local government councils should be looked into in all facets and they should be carried along in the democratic process,” the NULGE president said.
He further commended the legislators for electing their leaders in an exercise devoid of rancour.
Khaleel, however, urged the new leadership of both chambers to be fair to all and look at the whole of Nigeria as their constituency.
“Nigerians’ desire for change is for a purpose. The new leadership must see themselves as agents of change and not fall short of the expectations of Nigerians.”
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s not interfering with the affairs of the National Assembly.
According to him, this will go a long way in strengthening the independence of the lawmakers and other organs of the government.
NAN
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