How Masses May Likely Rubbish LGA Autonomous by Saanu Michael

How Masses May Likely Rubbish LGA Autonomous by Saanu Michael

“In recent weeks, there has been increased discussion surrounding local government autonomy, a crucial aspect of empowering grassroots communities. However, I fear that if citizens maintain a complacent attitude, both before and after elections, particularly in neglected local government elections, political heavyweights will continue to dominate the space, nominating candidates to the detriment of true democratic representation at the LGA level. This may lead to widespread impeachment or a perpetuation of the status quo.

It is essential to educate the masses that, among all tiers of government, LGA elections are the most proximal to the grassroots and should be of utmost importance to them. Historically, voter turnout in these elections has been dismally low, indicating a concerning lack of engagement. We must shift our attitude towards LGA elections and sensitize the masses to embrace their significance. Failure to do so will render efforts towards achieving LGA autonomy futile.

Saanu Michael Oluwakayode is a distinguished consultant, leader, and entrepreneur with a proven track record of collaborating with esteemed local and international development organizations, including the World Bank, GIZ, and the United Nations. Notably, he co-authored the book “Incident Commander,” a seminal work that examines the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering valuable insights and lessons in crisis management and governance.