By Marie-Theresa Nanlong

Jos—The Plateau State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, and the Chairman, Kanke Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Ishaku Gotau have appealed to the state House of Assembly to endorse the autonomy of local governments.

State NULGE Chairman, Mr. Samson Mafuyai and the Chairman of Kanke Local Government Council, Mr Gotau, said that granting autonomy to local governments would enthrone real federalism as well as ensure rapid development of the tier of government.

Mafuyai who spoke at a news conference in Jos asked the state House of Assembly to join forces with other Nigerians by endorsing the bill.

He said: “The local government system is the nearest to the ordinary citizen and expected to meet the yearnings of its communities but in Nigeria, it is seen as an appendage of the state government.

“These led to undue interferences of the state governments in local government administration, especially in the utilization of funds as funds meant for local governments are usually hijacked and misapplied with impunity. Residual power and functions of local governments have been usurped leading to their dismal performance.

“Autonomy of local government is not all about the payment of salaries; development needs are equally pressing at the grassroots level. It is sad that some misguided workers kick against autonomy erroneously believing that their salaries may not be paid.”