By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (ANGO) in Gombe State has called for the operationability of the Local Government autonomy as enshrined by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
ANGO, in a release it issued over the week called on all relevant institutions to as a matter of priority ensure the full operationality of the Local Government autonomy with all its attendant rights and privileges to adequately respond to the needs, desires and aspirations of the people at the grassroots in line with the constitutional mandate of the Local Government.
The statement which was signed by Idris Maigari Lawanti, Comrade Gloria Usman, overseeing Chairman and Deputy of the association said the call became necessary following clamour and efforts by various stakeholders over the years for the autonomy of the Local Government in Nigeria and the declaration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to that effect.
The President had stated that any State that does not conduct Local Government elections would not receive it’s Local Government Federal allocation.
This is also coupled with the anxiety among the people over the Local Government administration in Nigeria.
The Association said Local Government elections have continued to remain on the front burner of national discussion among policy makers, development practitioners, the citizens, the media and other stakeholders.
While commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for conducting the Local Government elections on 27/04/2024 where the APC ruling party in the State and four others participated, ANGO however stated that the election fell short of the expected standard because of the very low turnout of voters during the polls.
It said, ” voters turnout was low compared to the 2023 general elections. We urge the citizens at the grassroots to prioritize Local Government elections and do everything possible to exercise their duty and participate effectively.
“We call on His Excellency to continue to improve and strengthen the Local Government elections so as to strengthen and cement the trust between the citizens and the Government going forward.
While congratulating the newly elected Local Council Chairmen, ANGO called on them to prioritize citizens nominated projects, the implementation of Local Government budgets and strengthen citizens engagement and participation in local governance.
“Also, given the growing needs of the people, the councils should demonstrate to be prudent and accountable in order to strengthen the trust in their social contract with the citizens”, ANGO stressed.
