Local Govt Autonomy: NULGE seeks traditional Rulers Support

 The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) have appealed to traditional rulers to support the bill for the amendment in granting autonomy for local governments across the country.

The President, Edo Chapter of NULGE, Mr.  Lazarus Adorolo,  made the appeal during an advocacy visit to traditional rulers in Akoko Local Government Area of Edo.

Adorolo said the visit to traditional rulers was to prevail on the members of state house of assembly to vote in favour of the local government autonomy.

“Your highness, we are here today to present the people’s charter of demand for local government autonomy for continued support of our traditional rulers for this struggle in our overall interest.

“The constitution amendment bills on local government have been sent to the state house of assembly where members of the house are expected to vote yes for the bill before autonomy can be granted to local governments.

“This is where we need the intervention of our traditional rulers considering their important role in the society to impress it on their children in Edo house of assembly to vote for local government autonomy,” he said.

The Edo State NULGE boss said local government autonomy was not in competition with the state government, but to provide a partnership for development, and decried opposing it by some governors to the demand.

According to him, strengthening the local government and making it viable to respond to the people’s need is what the autonomy for local government is all about.

The NULGE president further stated that a vote in favour for the bill for local government autonomy was to stop the hijacking of local government funds by some states government.

He however explained that the bill would also give the local government the power to function without any interference from the state government.

“What the constitution amendment bill on local government wants to achieve is to be entitled to any revenue from federation account, allow traditional rulers to perform their roles as community leaders, bring government closer to the people”, he emphasized.

“The fight for local government autonomy is not for local government workers alone, but for all Nigerians and we call on those who want progress for Nigeria to join in the campaign,” he said.

Responding, the Otaru of Igarra, Emmanuel Saiki, said that the agitation for local government autonomy was long over due.

Also, the Olokpe of Okpe, Oba Idogun Oshizimete, promised to team up with other traditional rulers to prevail on the lawmakers to ensure the passage of the bill.