By Jubril Bada

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The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ondo State chapter, Comrade Fredrick Akinrinola,, has appealed to state governors not to see the agitation for local government autonomy as a struggle against them, but as a move to usher in more development at the grassroots and improve the country’s economy.

He stated that the state and federal governments cannot exist without the local government, which he described as the third tier of government from which both derive.

The president made these remarks in an interview with The Hope.

“In Akure South Local Government, where we are, the state and federal governments have occupied and acquired lands from the local government for their existence.

“Before we can develop this country and stabilize our economy, local governments must be allowed to function,” he hinted.

While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for increasing the monthly allocation to all 774 local governments in the country, Akinrinola expressed displeasure over the allocation, which does not reach all the councils directly except in Ondo State where partial local government autonomy is being enjoyed.

“The governor does not touch our money. We in Ondo State implemented the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure all allocations reach the local government before spending, but this does not exist in other local governments,” he hinted.

Akinrinola further explained that this is why the spate of insecurity is high in the country because local governments are not allowed to function, which hinders developmental progress.

The functions of local government, such as building markets, tarring roads, constructing schools and town halls, awarding scholarships to students, and taking care of the welfare of traditional rulers, are enormous. However, governors’ control over allocations prevents their implementation.

While appealing to state governments to allow local governments to operate autonomously, the president maintained that the financial incapability of local governments has prevented the third tier of government from positively impacting people at the grassroots.

He said mechanisms should be put in place to monitor local governments for efficient performance, as allocated funds should be judiciously used.

According to him, local governments have competent hands in both politics and administration to manage resources well.