ALGON tasks governors on LG polls

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called on governors that have not conducted local government elections in their states to put in place necessary machineries for the exercise.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting yesterday in Abuja, ALGON said doing so would bring governance closer to people at the grassroots.

The communiqué, which was signed by ALGON’s National President, Gambo Tanko Kagara, the chairman of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, and the National Publicity Secretary, Dapo Olagunju, who is the chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local government of Ekiti State, called for full autonomy for local governments in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government should intervene to save the local government system because it is the closest to the grassroots. Power must be concentrated at local government level for democracy to thrive. Full autonomy is the answer for people to feel the impact of governance. Issues of salaries will also be addressed,” the communiqué said.

While calling on the Federal Government to release the second tranche of the Paris Club refund, they commended the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, for holding the fort, and prayed for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

ALGON also commended the newly elected officers of the association led by Gambo Tanko Kagara and advised him and other executives to be focused and display good leadership.