Local Gov’t Autonomy, Not Protests Will Address Bad Governance, NRM Tells Youths

A group, National Rebirth Movement (NRM), has called on Nigerian youths to shun the planned August 1 nationwide protests against hardship in the country, saying the recently affirmed financial autonomy for local government areas will go long way to enhance grassroots development and ultimately end Bad governance.

A statement issued in Abuja on Monday and signed by the Convener of NRM, Folusho Ojo Sylvanus, noted that as Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of governance and seeking enhanced political participation, a new opportunity has emerged for the country’s youth population to make meaningful impact through the newly granted financial autonomy for local government areas in the country.

“This recent opportunity for enhanced self-governance at the local level presents an unprecedented chance for young Nigerians to engage directly with their communities and effect real change, as they desire, from bottom up.

“Rather than forming phantom protest movements, which have historically lacked steam and always presenting negative results, now is the time for the youth to seize the moment and participate actively in local governance.

“Only recently did the President Bola Tinubu’s administration achieve a great feat following the historic victory at the Supreme Court for the Local Government autonomy. This autonomy has represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“By empowering local authorities to make decisions and manage resources independently, the framework aims to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of governance.

“And for Nigerian youths, this autonomy is not just a structural change; it’s an invitation to take control of their own destinies and influence the development of their communities.

“The central government’s inefficiencies and the perceived disconnect between national policies and local needs have long been sources of frustration. With local government autonomy regime, there is now a clearer pathway for addressing these issues directly at the community level.

“This present order allows local government to tailor solutions to local problems, manage budgets more effectively, and engage citizens in decision-making processes.

“While protests, like the End Bad Governance movement, have been instrumental in raising awareness and demanding accountability, their impact on systemic change has often been limited,” Sylvanus stated.