By Alexis Uchendu
Adams Oshiomhole, Senator representing Edo North, has expressed strong support for the financial autonomy recently granted to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, emphasizing its potential to enhance grassroots development decentralize corruption.
Speaking at a forum organized by the House of Representatives on local government autonomy, Oshiomhole underlined the critical role local government administrations play due to their proximity to the people.
He argued that empowering local governments financially would foster equitable distribution of resources and reduce the concentration of wealth and power in a single entity.
“It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief,” Oshiomhole remarked.
He suggested that such autonomy would lead to the emergence of multiple local billionaires rather than consolidating wealth in the hands of a single individual at the state level.
The former Edo State governor urged local government leaders to prioritize prudent resource allocation for vital infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and other essential public services.
This development follows a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial independence of Nigeria’s local governments.
The decision reinforces efforts by the federal government to empower local councils, ensuring they can operate independently and deliver impactful governance to their communities.
