"They Are A Cornerstone": Lawyer Explains Importance of LG Election
- Nigerian governors who did not conduct local government elections in their states have been knocked for crippling local politics in their states
- Titilope Anifowoshe, a legal practitioner, in an interview with Legit.ng, explained how the trend affects politics at the grassroots level
- She urged Nigerians to be active in states where local government elections have been announced, including Kwara state
Titilope Anifowoshe, a legal practitioner, has condemned the failure of some governors, particularly the second-term ones, to conduct local government elections in their states.
In an interview with Legit.ng, the legal luminary decried the situation, adding that the local government election is a cornerstone in the development of democracy in Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
How not conducting LG election affect grassroots politics
Anifowoshe emphasised that the failure to conduct local government elections undermines the essence of democracy at the grassroots level, posing a threat to development, accountability, and local governance.
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She said:
"It's truly saddening and a concerning development that some governors, including Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Hope Uzodinma of Imo, have not conducted local government elections despite being in office for over five years. This lack of election undermines the very essence of democracy at the grassroots level and hinders local governance, accountability, and development.
"Local government elections are essential for ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that their needs are addressed by leaders who are directly accountable to them. These elections empower communities, foster political engagement, and facilitate the efficient delivery of public services. The absence of such elections can lead to a disconnect between the government and the people, resulting in unresponsive governance and stagnation in local development.
"As a Kwaran, I am relieved that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has heeded the call for local government elections, scheduling them for September 21. This step is a significant move towards reinstating democratic norms and ensuring that local governance structures are in place. It's a critical opportunity for the people of Kwara to actively participate in the democratic process, hold their leaders accountable, and elect representatives who genuinely reflect their interests and aspirations."
Why LG elections is important
The lawyer urged people, particularly in Kwara, to actively participate in local government elections in the state.
She added:
"In light of this upcoming election, I have been urging my fellow Kwarans to give it the utmost attention, just as they would for the presidential elections. The local government elections are not just a formality; they are a cornerstone of our democracy. They provide a platform for grassroots development, enabling communities to have a direct say in how they are governed. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of these elections and participate actively to ensure that our voices are heard and our communities are well-represented.
"Nigeria needs a more robust legal and institutional framework to ensure that local government elections are held regularly and without undue delays. It calls for civic education to raise awareness about the significance of local governance and to encourage more citizens to engage in the electoral process. By doing so, we can build a more inclusive, responsive, and democratic society.
"The lack of local government elections in some states is indeed troubling; the forthcoming elections in Kwara provide a glimmer of hope. They present an opportunity for renewal and a chance to strengthen our democracy from the ground up. It is imperative that we seize this moment, participate actively, and work collectively towards building a better, more democratic future for our communities."
LG autonomy: El-Rufai reacts to Supreme Court judgment
Legit.ng earlier reported that the former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, made a cryptic comment on the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.
El-Rufai quoted a tweet from the presidency that summarised the apex court's judgment with a terse comment saying it is God who gives and takes.
The former governor's comment comes amid his ongoing political battle with Uba Sani, his successor in Kaduna state.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with 7 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Legit’s Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023). Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng
Titilope Anifowoshe (Lawyer) Titilope Anifowoshe is a legal practitioner, author, and development consultant. She is an advocate of politics with values and SDGs. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Eagles Foundation for Humanity, COO, Citizens Hub and Co-Convener of For Citizens Alliance.
