The Honourable member representing Akure North/Akure South federal constituency of Ondo state, Hon. Afe Olowookere on Wednesday said the importance of Local government in a democratic setting is more relevant and
pronounced, therefore the use of caretaker committee is amorphous.
constituency of Ondo State
In a legislative bill titled `A Bill for an act to alter the 1999 constitution to abrogate the state Independent Electoral Commission and for other related matters” that has passed second reading, Olowookere said “state governors deliberately breach these constitutional provisions and create problems for Local Government so that local government can remain perpetually under their whims and caprices. The instrument which the governors often use to frustrate the entrenchment and deepening of democracy and democratic governance at the Local government level is the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). Serially, they breach the provisions of the constitution by fostering on the Local Government administration an amorphous system known as caretaker Committee”.
He added that local government all over the country have falling short of bringing succour and bringing dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots, saying that they should be accorded financial autonomy. The bill also makes room for fair and level playing field for all political parties which guarantee the production of a more credible election outcome, Olowookere said.
