- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Civil Society Coalition has warned that a proposed Bill to dismantle the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos will create governance crisis in the state and result to significant regression for local governance in the state.
The spokesperson of the group, Mr Sina Loremikan restated the coalition’s position in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at a recent Press Conference in Lagos, the coalition alongside a group of Concerned Lagosians denounced the proposed bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly, to replace the 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Council.
As proposed in the Bill, the area administrative councils will be administered and funded by the local government areas under which they fall.
In reaction, Loremikan held thatby proposing to abolish the entities, the house of assembly and its leadership have taken step to “reverse the gains made in local development, reduce citizen participation in governance, and stall community-focused initiatives.
“If the bill succeeds, it will signal a significant regression for local governance in Lagos.
“It is our considered position, therefore, that the abolition of the LCDAs will invariably create governance crises in communities where resources and attention are often stretched.” Loremikan said.
He stressed further that the Bill is not only retrogressive, but a move by the house of assembly to disrupt the administrative structure that has allowed communities in Lagos state to enjoy localised governance and development for nearly two decades.
“The LCDAs were established in 2003 to bring government closer to the people, increase representation and address local issues more effectively
“The proposed Bill will dismantle these structures, ostensibly under the claim that they are unconstitutional,’’ Loremikan of Campaign Against Impunity said.
The coalition leader further contended that the LCDAs have been particularly effective in providing more tailored services and infrastructure to areas that are otherwise overlooked by local government councils.
He, however, expressed concern over the inadequate representation that will emerge on account of the bill if passed into law.
“Our fear and the fears of many Lagosians are that these communities would be left without adequate representation, thereby, straining development and the already complex governance landscape of Lagos state.
“As concerned citizens and stakeholders, we insist on the preservation and empowerment of the LCDAs as effective vehicles for grassroots governance and local empowerment,’’ he said.
Loremikan added that the proposed abolition Bill is a direct affront to President Bola Tinubu’s legacy during his tenure as Governor of Lagos state.
“It is important to remember that the creation of these LCDAs is a key part of the legacy of President Tinubu, during his tenure as Governor.
“Abolishing the LCDAs will not only erase a fundamental aspect of his legacy, but it will also set a dangerous precedent that disregards the will of the people and the importance of local governance.
“Tinubu’s foresight in creating these LCDAs was instrumental in transforming Lagos into the economic powerhouse it is today.
“This legacy must be protected. Lagosians will not stand by and watch as the progress made over the last two decades is rolled back by a single legislative action,” he said.
Loremikan, therefore, called on the house of assembly to immediately withdraw the proposed bill, forthwith because of its long-term consequences.