Bola Tinubu, the President, expressed concern about the inadequate provision of benefits from democracy at the local level.
He urged governors to focus on the requirements of nearby neighborhoods.
He made the call when he received the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Highlighting the neglect of grassroots communities, which he stated contribute the most votes during elections, the President urged the ACF leadership to step in. He called on governors to promptly address the needs of people in local councils.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngalale, Tinubu said: “We are running a constitutional democracy. I will appeal to you to summon the governors. I am doing my very best to enhance the revenue base of the country. They must equally be sympathetic and urgently consider the needs of the local people.
“People reside in the local communities. That is where they work, farm, and live. If the local governments are not effective in delivering services; as leaders, we must not hang on to the numbers. We have 774 local government areas, but are they truly effective? Do they solve problems for Nigerians? Do they coordinate development programming with the state and federal governments?
“Who is being held accountable for the performance of the 774 local governments? Maybe we should look at recalibrating. What was good four years ago may not be good today. When we want the votes, we go to the locals; when we get the votes, we move to and focus on Abuja.”
During the same meeting, the President noted, and News VEO reported that the change of Nigeria’s National Anthem has always been a priority to him.
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