‘Don’t Scrap LG Councils’

A Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator,
Mohammed Lafiagi, has urged the National Assembly not to scrap the local
government system in the review of the 1999 Constitution to guarantee
development at the grassroots.

He made the appeal in an interview with our correspondent at
Ilesha Baruba, in the Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Lafiagi, who condemned the call by some Nigerians for
scrapping of local governments, added that since the system was closer to the
people at the grassroots, it should be allowed to remain.

He said for any meaningful development to be made at the
level, local authorities must be fully involved.

The senator canvassed for more power and resources for the
councils to live up to expectation of the electorate.

“The problem confronting local government councils in the
country would soon be overcome. Nigerians should think of how to solve the
problem militating against their (councils) non performance.”

Lafiagi also commented on the security challenges facing the
country and expressed optimism that the nation would soon overcome them.

He said the challenges were a stage of development for the
country which had happened to many developed countries.

“Any nation aspiring for greater heights must face
challenges. Nigeria cannot be an exception and security challenges should be
seen as events that must be overcome. “