Yauri Emirate Youth Association For Political Development (YEYAPOD) in Kebbi State, northern Nigeria, has called on states Houses of Assembly in Nigeria to ensure voting in favour of the Local Government Autonomy Bill, as passed by Nigeria’s Senate.
The group noted that, “Senate and Rep Members voted in favour of the above said bill and is presently handed to State Assemblies.”
In a statement, Secretary of the group, Jabir Abubakar, says, “the success of the bill or otherwise now lies in the hands of our State Assemblies Members, and of course, some of our Governors may strive to see it thrown to dust bin for a reason clearly known to all.”
The statement enjoined Members of the States Houses of Assembly support the Bill as the only way to guarantee dividends of democracy at the grassroots.
“The bill if passed will make our retrogressive local governments Autonomous, more active, free from financial Control by the State Governors and responsive to local communities demands.
“Likewise, elected Chairmen will enjoy political freedom, make them more answerable and accountable to local communities (not State Governors as is the case today) and speed up local development.
“Factually, this will not conform with most of our Governors’ interest and will therefore do everything possible to put it to halt,” his statement says.
“We must therefore intimate our State Assembly Members that we are watchful and anybody that vote against the bill will be deemed a hindering force to community development and faces appropriate consequences from the communities.” it says.