By Adelani Olawuyi

SIR: It has been widely reported that the Green Chamber of the National Assembly (NASS) is set to debate on the scrapping of local government areas in Nigeria. Such bill is not for the common good of Nigerians. Local government is the closest government to the people. It is constitutionally recognized in all previous constitutions of Nigeria including that of 1999 as amended.

In Oyo State, it served as training ground for many political giants like late Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola, Sunday Ademola Alalade, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Honourable Olusegun Odebunmi and many others. They are/were graduates of local government system.

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Moreover, its existence has brought development to the grassroots. Besides, if it is scrapped, the political landscape will be so choked to such extent that the negative effect of the action will be better imagined. Because the number of political posts to be contested for will become narrower hence there will be chaos.

To be candid, what we need is the creation of more local governments. And that is why the idea of Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) is welcomed by the people at the grassroots. Today, Lagos State people are enjoying more grassroots development due to the creation of LCDA in the state. In Oyo State, they had similar experience during the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration. Local government should be given financial autonomy instead of scrapping it.

• Adelani Olawuyi, Ogbomoso,Oyo State.