Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has voiced strong support for local government financial autonomy in Nigeria, highlighting its potential to enhance accountability and grassroots development.
Oshiomhole’s remarks followed the Supreme Court’s landmark July 11, 2024, decision affirming financial independence for local governments.
Speaking at a forum on Monday organised by the House of Representatives to discuss local government autonomy, the former Edo State governor stressed the importance of character in governance and the effective use of public funds.
Oshiomhole underlined the critical role of local government chairmen in addressing the needs of citizens, given their closeness to the populace. He urged them to prioritise the allocation of resources for key infrastructure, including roads and healthcare facilities, to improve living conditions at the grassroots.
He said, “It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief,” suggesting that distributing power and resources across all local governments might reduce the concentration of wealth and influence.
