By RT. HON. CHIMA OBIEZE
The most important tier of government in Nigeria and I believe, anywhere else, is not the Federal Government nor the State Government but the local government. This is true because the greatest duty of government is the welfare and security of the citizens. The tier of government that is closest and has direct impact on the people is the LG.
Often times, for political reasons and convenience, leaders of political parties in the State handpick touts, political thugs and people who they believe have the capacity to use violence to make their party win elections at all cost. The greatest cause of violence and insecurity is poverty. However, the world has gone far above such mundane considerations.
Therefore, as Enugu State draws closer to the LG elections and as our party, the PDP comes face to face with their primaries, the leaders and stakeholders of the party in the various Local Government Areas must shun politics of personal interest, personal agenda, vendetta and camp, and think more of candidates with a firm stand and strong will for development. They must be people who genuinely care for the people.
The only political office holder who receives funds on behalf of the people in the rural areas is the Local Government Council chairman. As a state Assembly member I am only entitled to my monthly salaries and allowances. To get any development down to my constituency I must beg or lobby the executive to achieve same which in many cases can be tiring if not futile.
Today again, we have in our hands another chance to ensure that our LGAs put square pegs in square holes. We may never be able to achieve the kind of development we seek for our people without having people with the character, the discipline, and the will to do the needful. As stated earlier, the Local Government is the only place some reasonable funds comes into the hands of the people of a local area held in trust for them by the LG chairman, for the purpose of development and good governance.
With these funds, an LG chairman has the capacity to drive development locally. We should not allow such privilege and power to be passed to visionless individuals, political thugs, corrupt politicians and people without the capacity for accountability and integrity.
It is crucial that we prioritize this election and ensure the emergence of development-driven individuals who believe in good governance as Local Government chairmen. These leaders play a vital role in driving growth, development, and progress in our rural areas, which are often overlooked but hold immense potential. By putting the right people in these positions, we can:
Foster inclusive and sustainable development
- Improve access to basic amenities and services
- Enhance transparency and accountability
Empower local communities to participate in decision-making - Unlock economic opportunities and job creation
- strengthen security of lives and properties in the rural areas
- End food scarcity by improved food production, supply and agriculture
- Enhance the education sector by ensuring a conducive learning environment and supporting the local schools
- Increase the economic activities in the rural areas
- drive industrialization, productivity and economic growth
Only by ensuring that Local Government chairmen are people committed to good governance and development, can we truly transform our rural areas and create a brighter future for our people.
This LG election at this time when hunger and harsh economy is hitting the masses hard, resulting to protests and anger around the country, must be taken very seriously. It must not be business as usual. The LGAs of Enugu State, and particularly Ezeagu LGA where I come from, are in dire need of Chairmen who will be focused on development, welfare of the masses, adequate security and good governance.
Achieving these will require men of character, discipline, courage and accountability.
Barr. Chima Obieze, is the legislator representing Ezeagu Constituency in the Enuugu State House of Assembly.
