The Secure World and Liberty Initiative has raised the alarm over the prolonged delay in conducting council polls in Lagos State, urging the Lagos State House of Assembly to promptly screen members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). The group warned that the delay threatens the integrity of democracy at the grassroots level.
Speaking at a press conference, Barrister Kayode Mogbojuri, representing the Registered Trustees of the Secure World and Liberty Initiative, emphasised that the House of Assembly’s inaction undermines constitutional governance and participatory democracy.
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“The failure to conduct local government elections, as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution, erodes democratic principles and denies citizens the benefits of effective governance at the grassroots level,” Mogbojuri stated.
The organisation recently filed a lawsuit against the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking a court order to compel the legislative body to screen LASIEC appointees. The Governor had nominated members for LASIEC six months ago, yet the Assembly has failed to perform its constitutional duty of screening and confirming the appointments.
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Mogbojuri criticised the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly for allegedly obstructing the screening process, warning that this could lead to the imposition of administrative officers on Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Such a move, he argued, would contravene constitutional mandates for elected leadership at the local government level.
The delay has also raised fears of potential tenure extensions for current local government officials beyond their statutory limits. The group described this as a violation of the democratic rights of Lagos residents and a significant threat to accountability and transparency.
“Local government councils are critical for delivering essential services and fostering grassroots democracy. Any further delay in screening LASIEC members will compromise the democratic will of the people and deepen the erosion of constitutional governance in Lagos State,” Mogbojuri said.
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The Secure World and Liberty Initiative called on civil society organisations, the media, and the Nigerian public to demand accountability from the Lagos State Government and the House of Assembly. They reiterated their commitment to pursuing the matter through legal channels to protect democracy and ensure adherence to the rule of law.
The group concluded the press conference with a plea for the House of Assembly to act swiftly, warning that continued inaction could set a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria.
