Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI) have urged the Federal Government to set up a National Local Government Commission (NALDEC) to conduct local government elections in the country. This demand was hinged based on the recent Supreme court ruling which granted local governments financial autonomy.
In a press conference on Thursday 18th of July 2024, the spokesperson of SOAI Kenneth Eze said that without political autonomy, financial autonomy will be abused. He added that they are not calling for the creation of a new electoral body but a centralized local government election body to be domesticated within INEC.
" NALDEC is essential for ensuring that local government elections are democratic and free from undue influence while giving all political parties equal playing field. This move will empower local governments to deliver quality service and foster development at the grass root level thereby serving their communities effectively."
He concluded that since 2009, SOAI have been at the forefront of advocating for local government autonomy through the Local Open Governance Initiative in Nigeria- LOGINAIJA project. He said SOAI will work with the National Assembly to actualize the setting up of NALDEC.
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