Odunowo advocates full implementation of LG autonomy bill for improved service delivery
An All Progressives Congress ( APC) chieftain and the National Chairman of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group ( AATSG), Otunba Yomi Odunowo, has called for the full implementation of the Local Government autonomy bill for an improved service delivery and increased accountability.
Otunba Odunowo, who made these remarks in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Seyi Shodipo, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to urgently ensure the full implementation of the Local Government autonomy to enable people at the grassroots begin to reap the various benefits inherent in the much talked about Local Government autonomy.
He noted that autonomy for local governments would guarantee democratic representation as local governments, which operate at the grassroots level, are better positioned to democratically fulfill citizens’ aspirations by representing their interests and needs.
Otunba Odunowo explained that granting autonomy to local governments would, no doubt, lead to increased accountability as they are responsible for delivering services to their constituents
The Ogun State APC chieftain further added that Local Government autonomy would also ensure fiscal autonomy, which means that the local governments have the right to collect and spend revenue for service delivery that they are responsible for as this would provide local authorities with the necessary instruments to reduce the vertical fiscal imbalances and prioritize their financial needs.
He stressed that decentralization and autonomy of local government would bring citizens into the decision-making process, thereby making them active participants in local governance.
The AATSG National Chairman explained that granting autonomy to local governments would help develop the system and educate people in rural areas about the political system, which would lead to improved service delivery.
Otunba Odunowo, however, advocated that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) should henceforth be saddled with the responsibility of conducting local government elections across the country and that the tenure of the local government Chairmen be increased to four years against the present three – year tenure
” I am more than convinced that granting autonomy to local governments can lead to democratic representation, increased accountability, fiscal autonomy, civic participation and improved service delivery, which will ultimately enhance the quality of governance in the Tinubu administration in general”, said Otunba Odunowo.
