Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev Henry Ndukuba has urged the Federal Government to grant autonomy to Local Governments.

Ndukuba, who said this in an interview with journalists in his office in Abuja, also advised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be allowed to conduct local government elections, as this would make those elected answerable and accountable to the people at the grassroots.

He said: “Local Government autonomy should be granted so that governance and development will be brought closer to the people.”He explained that the three tiers of government have a place within the Constitution and should be made to work effectively. 

The cleric reminded the political class, as well as the Nigerian elite to take people’s welfare seriously and get closer to their constituencies, especially now that many Nigerians are experiencing challenges, with many losing their jobs.

While commending politicians that distributed palliatives to their communities during the COVID-19 lockdown, he, however, lamented that many others did not reach out to their constituencies. 

The head of the Church in Nigeria said although the civilian government brought leadership closer to the people, the nation is yet to completely let go of some of the vestiges of military rule. He decried the fact that a lot of political leaders still govern with impunity, allow corruption to thrive and appropriate opportunities meant for the people.

He argued that many times, politicians foster communal clashes and crises in the society. The Primate appreciated God for having preserved Nigeria as a single entity, despite all the challenges the nation has gone through. He urged the leaders to enable democracy thrive by giving good leadership that would bring hope, development and security.