http://www.politico.ng/lg-autonomy-tinubu-deserves-applause-japheth-odesanya/


apheth Odesanya, the former Secretary to the Ikorodu Local Government and one of the contestants for the Local council election coming up next year has given kudos to President Bola Tinubu over the recent recent Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to the Local Governments.

Speaking during an interview with TVC in Lagos recently, he described the move as a journey towards restructuring. The major areas he pointed out are:

1: Constitutional Democracy

He called for the practice of constitutional democracy, saying that it is more powerful than democracy itself because that’s where democracy is rooted from.
.
He said that constitutional Democracy would give room for strong accountability among people that have been entrusted with political positions in government; meaning that public officials from the local to the federal level won’t be taking actions anyhow without the consent of the people,

2: Citizens’ Participation

He said that democracy goes with the spirit of participation. It is not passiveness, “it is not just about voting, going home and waiting for the next four years,” Japheth noted.

He said for instance, the people are free to ask the questions like: “how much have you spent on this road project? “How much was the allocation to the local government for last month?” “How many projects have you executed in the last four months?.

4: Accountability in Governance

He said that people should be aware of the fact that local government Chairmen don’t enjoy immunity like the Governors and the President; therefore, people can easily hold them accountable, question or even sue them.
.

5: Will Governors Obey the Supreme Court Order?

“If the governors are not willing to obey, the people must be willing, because real power in a constitutional democracy belongs to them (people). It is not about violence, it is about articulate demand,” he noted

6: Devolution of Power:

He challenged the governors to approach court and seek devolution of power from the Federal Government

7: Appointment of INEC Chairman

He said INEC Chairman should be appointed by the people through an independent commission that would consist of people of unquestionable integrity in the country. He stated that the position should be thrown open and the independent commission would select the best hand for the job

Tinubu has proven to be a capable leader with LG autonomy.

Abeg, make we give Baba Tinubu standing ovation for im efforts to make Nigeria beta.

Tinubu's leadership shines, deserving of national recognition.