The National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s local government system, insisting that stronger grassroots governance is essential to addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
Dantalle made the call on Monday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
According to him, local governments remain the tier of government closest to the people and should be empowered to effectively drive development at the grassroots.
“The closest government to the people is the local government and it must be strengthened,” Dantalle said.
He maintained that weakening local government autonomy would further hinder development efforts, stressing that the Nigerian Constitution recognizes local governments as one of the country’s three tiers of government.
“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear that we have three tiers of government: federal government, state government and local government,” he stated.
The IPAC chairman argued that strengthening local governments would help tackle several socio-economic problems, including rural-urban migration and underdevelopment in rural communities.
“Even if it is strengthened, it will reduce some of these anomalies. It will reduce rural-urban migration,” he said.
Dantalle also expressed concern over the nation’s security situation, describing the increasing cases of kidnappings, attacks on schools and violence against farmers as alarming.
“It is so bad that criminality has become a norm. Criminals don’t even hide their faces anymore,” he lamented.
Questioning the motives behind persistent attacks across the country, he said, “Why would somebody derive pleasure in kidnapping, in killing a young man, in slaughtering a teacher or a farmer? What is their crime?”
The APM chairman warned that insecurity poses a serious threat to education, agriculture and community development.
“Indirectly, there is a design by invisible hands to destroy our educational system, our villages and our agricultural sector,” he added.
On electoral reforms, Dantalle urged stakeholders to work towards strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring transparency in the electoral process.
“My candidate, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said that we should reset Nigeria. Resetting Nigeria means going back to the foundation,” he said.
He further appealed for a more credible electoral system that would reflect the wishes of the people.
“Allow the electoral process to be transparent so that people can elect who they want and who they believe can serve their interests. It is an appeal to all of us to love this country,” Dantalle stated.
The IPAC chairman also defended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition, describing him as a capable leader with a proven record of governance.
“If you go to Oyo, you will see that he has been tested with leadership in the state as one of the largest states in this country. He has performed very well,” Dantalle said.
He expressed confidence that Makinde possesses the leadership qualities needed to steer the country towards greater progress.
“With that performance, and a young man, an engineer, who feels he is capable compared to what we have seen around, he can steer the ship of Nigeria to the next level,” he added.
