LG Autonomy: Delta council workers hail National Assembly

Local workers in Delta State have commended the move by the National Assembly to ensure the third tier of government, is given its autonomy to operate as an independent entity, as against the current system.

Lauding the Senate over the apparent doggedness to pass the bill on local government autonomy, moved by Senator Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi), the treasurer, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Fresh Davis, said it would be historic for the 8th National Assembly, if it achieved the feat.

It could be recalled that the original report on the alteration bill as presented by Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, last month, there were 32 items, but Melaye moved for the addition of the 33rd item, which is the proposal to abrogate SIECs, when the report was under consideration.

Mr. Fresh, however listed expected benefits of the local government autonomy to include financial freedom, prompt payment of workers’ salaries initiation of development-oriented projects and employment opportunities, among others.

He said, “This is a clear testimony that the National Assembly is ready for business to better the people at the grassroots. I really commend people like Dino Melaye, Senate president Bukola Saraki and others who are strongly advocating for local government autonomy.

“I enjoined my colleagues in the local government to rise up and commend the National Assembly for this job. If the bill is passed and signed into law, all forms of pains we are going through as council workers will become history.”

Another Council Worker, Mr. Austin Kaizar, in Bomadi Local Government Area, said the move by the National Assembly was in the right direction, which would also create job opportunities for many at the grassroots level, if it became a reality.

He said: “As a council worker, I think Local Government autonomy is for the grassroots. If local government truly gets autonomy, it will fast-tracked development at the grassroots.

“There will be job opportunities for young graduates and council workers’ salaries will be paid as at when due because state interference is no longer there”.

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba