The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that President Bola Tinubu remains fully committed to implementing local government autonomy as a means of deepening democracy and accelerating development at the grassroots level.

Idris stated this in Abuja on Friday when he received the National Forum of Ex-Councilors on a courtesy visit to his office.

“The local government, which is the third tier of government, is actually the closest to the people of Nigeria and that is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom revisited the issue of autonomy for the local government councils.

“You are aware that some time last year, an interpretation was sought by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice at the Supreme Court and there was this pronouncement from the highest court in the land indicating that there is indeed, as enshrined in our constitution, the need for the local government councils to be autonomous; to be independent and also function in all ramifications, whether it’s political or financial.

“Their autonomy and the ability to function very well, will strengthen democracy at the grassroots and also promote development at that level,” he said.

The minister recalled that local government councils once functioned effectively, but over time, the third tier of government has been significantly weakened.

“Over the years, we have witnessed the whittling down of the ability of the local government councils to function as enshrined in our constitution.

“The President being a very strong democrat, believes that for our democracy to advance to the level that we want it to be, the strengthening of that tier of government is essential.

“Democracy is the best form of government and we would not want a situation where the local government will be weakened,” he said.

The minister stressed that state governors should collaborate with Tinubu to restore local government councils to the structure and purpose originally envisioned by the framers of the Nigerian Constitution.

Idris thanked the former councillors for their commitment to democracy and informed them that Tinubu is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring Nigeria to a path of economic growth and sustainable development.

The minister urged the former councillors to serve as ambassadors of the Tinubu administration at the grassroots by explaining to the people that the ongoing reforms are essential for national progress and not intended to cause hardship.

“I want to urge you to please, support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They are not designed to create hardship for Nigerians. Yes, they might be tough at the beginning but like the president has said, the economy is turning the corner.

“We urge you to please continue to explain to the people because you have 70,000 strong members and all of you have your supporters across the country and across party lines. Please ensure that the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gets to Nigerians. Let Nigerians really understand the mission of the president, which is to restore Nigeria and put it on a solid path of sustainable prosperity,” he said.

Idris stated that the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange rates have already resulted in significant savings, leading to a doubling of allocations to state and local governments to enable the execution of impactful projects for the people.

He said the establishment of Development Commissions across all the geo-political zones is to take development to every nook and cranny of the country.

In response to being honoured with the “People-Oriented Award” by the ex-councillors, the minister expressed gratitude, saying the recognition would further inspire him to rededicate himself to the service of the people.

In his remarks, the Assistant Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Cole Michaels, commended the minister for revitalizing the agencies under his ministry, noting that they have been effectively informing and enlightening the public about the programmes and policies of the Tinubu administration.

He stated that the award was presented in recognition of the Minister’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of democracy in the country.

The delegation, comprising representatives from various states across the federation, was led by the Forum’s President, Mr. Auwal Kassim Hassan.