By Okey Muogbo
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his strong support to local government system through the granting of financial autonomy for the third tier if government in Nigeria.
It also commended state governors who have conducted local government council elections in place appointed caretaker committees.
These were parts of resolutions contained in a communique from the 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Katsina State,
The communique released on Wednesday by the Information Officer of ALGON, Mr Obiora Orji, the Meeting took resolutions that underscore the association’s commitment to strengthening local governance in Nigeria.
“The NEC expressed its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unwavering support in empowering local governments to fulfill their constitutional mandates. The judiciary was also commended for its role in entrenching a viable local government system, aligning with the popular will of the masses.
“Furthermore, the NEC appreciated the efforts of state Governors and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in conducting elections across local government areas, with over 30 states now having democratically elected chairmen. The remaining states are hereby urged to follow suit so as to fully have a system that is people oriented according to the vision of Mr President.
“NEC also appreciates the Governors for the uninterrupted access given to them to run their local councils in the various states which has gone far in ensuring the democratic dividends needed gets to the people.
“This is assuring the Governors of a continued robust relationship as our principals to have governance at heart.
“In reaffirming its dedication to good governance, the NEC pledged to deepen its symbiotic relationship with stakeholders, promoting transparency, accountability, innovative service, and uniformity in service delivery at the grassroots level through effective communication and community engagement which is a bedrock for open governance.
“The NEC also congratulated Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on their recent elections and thanked the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam (Engr) Dikko Umar Radda (CON), for hosting the 51st NEC Zonal meeting.
“In promoting health and wellness, the NEC appreciated the Algon President and the Exco for their efforts in engaging development partners on primary health, disease control, and other health safety nets as the strength of every society lies in the health of its citizenry.
“The NEC expressed confidence in the new National President, Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, and his Exco, describing their journey so far as encouraging, focused, and innovative. Members across the 774 local governments were encouraged to activate strategies for effective resource management and to remain inspired by the judgment and performance appraisals of their constituents.
“The NEC promised to continue strengthening its engagement with multisectoral organizations, showcasing the rich economic potentials of local governments and promoting peacebuilding to attract investments and encourage income generation with service delivery”, the Communique signed by Hon. Hamisu Anani Mohammed,
National Publicity Secretary and Members Communique Committee concluded. Sunrisereporters.
