Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has enjoined Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Local Government autonomy scheduled to commence in October 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that the group did this through a statement released by its National Secretary, Dr Nasir Balogun, and National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde.
According to the Media Watch Group, the call became necessary to prevent an infertile implementation and a “business as usual” approach notable with our system.
It counselled the incoming Local Government Administrations in the Country against abuse of financial independence by ensuring prudent management of the revenue accruing to them and prioritising projects and programmes that will bring development to the grassroots.
MMWG commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold action in instituting the legal process that resulted in granting the local government financial independence to enable them to fulfill their statutory obligations to the people.
It noted that the financial autonomy will become meaningful and beneficial to the masses if its implementation is accorded due priority and not delayed, calling on the Committee set-up for implementation of the laudable policy to fast-track its report for the scheduled commitment of the implementation target date.
On the just concluded Edo Gubernatorial election, the Media Group commended both the electorates and the electoral Umpire for the peaceful conduct of the election, stating that the peaceful atmosphere that paraded the election should be a reference and regular feature of our elections in the country to safeguard and enhance our democracy.
MMWG, however, called for an electoral reform that would allow independent candidates to contest in future elections in the country precisely from 2027.
The Group also called for a downward review of all expenditure on elections in this Country – including purchase of forms by contestants and remuneration of political office holders; noting regrettably that the present system only allowed the rich to sustain themselves in power – a situation that does not augur well for Nigerian democracy and the citizens of the Country.
On the Maiduguri flood tragedy, the Muslim Media Watch Group while commending those that have donated funds and other useful items to the victims of the disaster, appealed to more Nigerians to show empathy and donate more money and materials to assist the victims of the disaster.
The Group called on Gov Babagana Umara Zulum to prioritise rehabilitation of victims and assist in the repair of damaged dwellings as a form of relief to the affected people.
It blamed the Committee that advised Borno State Governor that the Allao Dam did not pose any threat or danger to the people; noting that the misleading report caused the disaster and those responsible for it should be punished to serve as deterrent to others in future.
