A group, Christian Conscience, has urged Nigerians to seek political officers to strengthen local administration and development during the forthcoming local government elections in some states, particularly in Lagos State.

The Christian Conscience, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), said Nigerians, especially God-fearing people with good character, credible, and passionate about social responsibilities, should contest during the elections following the recent judgement of the Supreme Court that gave autonomy to local government administrations in the country.

The group also enjoined the citizens to see the election as their civic responsibility towards good, effective, and efficient governance in the country.

“The whole essence of local government administration is for people to be involved, thus bringing governance down to the doorsteps of the general people who are the owners of democracy,” the Christian Conscience said these at the group’s monthly Executive meeting in the Ikeja area of Lagos State on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

The group added: “It is a general consensus, all over the world that the nearest system of government to the people is the local government, and if it is left for just anybody, the expected dividend of democracy will continue to elude the people and the land in the country.

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“It is our candid opinion that committed and God-fearing people should now take over the governance at the grassroots so that we shall witness a positive departure from the old order where such responsibilities are left for just anybody not competent and worthy to occupy such exalted positions at the grassroots.

“Visits to all local governments in various states of the nation depict neglect and abandonment while yawning for help that had eluded them in the past as some claimed lack of autonomy and proper funding.

“Therefore with proper funding and autonomy, the right people with the right attitude should be encouraged now to come on board and work in tandem with the state.”

The Christian Conscience also lauded the recent visit of the former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House.

The Star