Former education minister Oby Ezekwesili has advocated for decentralizing power from the federal government to local governments as a means to accelerate Nigeria’s development.
Ms. Ezekwesili made these remarks during a virtual democracy dialogue on LGA administration organized by the Fix Politics Initiative on Thursday in Abuja, coinciding with activities commemorating the 2024 Democracy Day.
As the founder of the Fix Politics Initiative, a citizen-led movement active in Nigeria and other African nations, Ezekwesili emphasized the urgent need to overhaul the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to achieve these reforms.
Ms. Ezekwesili said, “We believe that foundationally, we have to correct these structural defects by making sure that the local government system is at the centre of the kind of constitutional changes that we are looking forward for.
“We are an organisation that has put our voice out there to say that, tinkering with the 1999 Constitution on the margins will not deliver the new Nigeria we all want; we all want a Nigeria that works for all of us.
“A Nigeria that works for all of us has to be designed by the people and where do you often find the real people, it is at the local communities. And so placing them at the centre of the design of a Nigerian project that works is fundamental; the Nigerian project will only work to the extent that the people are at the heart of it.”
Former information minister Frank Nweke Jr stressed the importance of citizens embracing their collective responsibilities to ensure effective governance.
As chairman of the Fix Politics Initiative, Mr. Nweke urged citizens not only to participate in elections but also to actively support their fellow citizens in government and collaborate in holding the government accountable.
He emphasized the necessity for citizens to have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all levels of government in Nigeria to effectively monitor their performance.
Oluwasesan Dayini, representing the Ebobobaiku Local Government Development Authority in Lagos, highlighted the need for special attention to be given to local government areas (LGAs) to enhance the impact of democracy on the people.
Despite facing challenges such as inadequate funding and limited administrative autonomy, Mr. Dayini emphasized the critical role of LGAs in state functioning.
He advocated for citizens to actively demand accountability by monitoring budget allocations, which he suggested could be more effective than relying solely on anti-corruption agencies.
Political activist Aisha Yesufu called for a reorientation of citizens to improve the functioning of democracy. She emphasized the importance of involving ordinary people, including children, in decision-making processes.
Ms. Yesufu proposed that children should be encouraged to contribute based on their abilities and understanding in schools and religious gatherings, rather than being silenced.
“By getting the children involved early, when they grow up, they will be able to effectively engage government and will not be intimidated or be blackmailed to keep mute for fear of being regarded as disrespectful,’’ she said.
Ms Yesufu said asking government officials questions did not amount to antagonism but should be regarded as an effort to ensure good governance.
(NAN)
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
