By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna
A grassroots advocacy group for good governance has once again, reiterated its resolve to ensure the passage and signing into law of Local Government Autonomy, saying the bill would facilitate sustainable development and good governance in Kaduna State.
State facilitator of Local Government Accountability Mechanism, simply known as (KADLGAM), Yusuf Goje disclosed this at a two-day workshop organized in collaboration with Partnership To Engage Reform and Learn ( PERL) and the UK aid Agency in Kaduna to adapt strategic workable plans to actualize goals and objectives of the nonprofit organization .
Goje, while expressing optimism in achieving independence and autonomy of the third tier of government anytime soon in Kaduna, urged present members of the state assembly to make history by passing into law the LG Autonomy Bill so they would be remembered as champions of good governance by their people.
The good governance advocate commended the administration of Governor Nasiru el-Rufai for his efforts to Institute mechanisms for transparency and accountability through town hall meetings to carry people along at the grassroots in process of projects initiation, planning and implementation .
He however, enjoined the state’s Executive and Legislative arms to fast track the process of LG autonomy to enable Kaduna be enlisted among 10 others with respect for rule of law and adherence to provisions of the constitution.
“Advantages of LG autonomy in ensuring development and good governance at community level cannot be overemphasized .
“It will give the people the leverage to hold their elected officials accountable and responsible for success or failure in provision of dividends of democracy.
“Being the closest to the people, roles the local government areas could play in driving and ensuring key functions of governance vis-a-vis provision of infrastructures, education, health, human empowerment among others cannot be measured.
“We will continue to through advocacy visits to important stakeholders, sensitize communities on their roles in a democratic arrangement and setting a consistent agenda on the need for good governance via transparency and accountability at the grassroots.
“The citizens must be continuously engaged by the government to know their immediate needs with aim of prioritizing and addressing them to make sure there is no misplacement of projects.
“All this we do to enthrone decent and good people at helm of affairs who are selfless in their words and actions for the benefit of the present generation and those yet unborn,” he declared.
Earlier in his remarks, Kaduna State Team Leader of PERL, Abel Adejor urged participants to observe 60 seconds prayers in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth ll of England, whose support and contribution for ensuring good governance through civil society organizations cannot be quantified.
