The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on the Downstream Petroleum, Alhaji Ado Alhassan Doguwa, has said that the issue of local government autonomy in the country is of utmost priority.
Doguwa told newsmen in Kano on Saturday: “Today’s insecurities, poverty, and lack of development are all results of the malfunction of the local government areas in the country.”
Doguwa, who appeared in the regalia of a traditional chieftain, noted:
“I remained the Sardauna Doguwa because, as far as I am concerned, the controversy surrounding their (Kano emirates) dissolution remains a subject of litigation.
” It is on record that this very House did their best in the passage of the Petroleum Bill into law, and today, as far as that sector is concerned, Nigeria is marching with its shoulders high in the comity of nations.”
Recalling that the country is better today because of several other bills that were passed into law, he said:
“Therefore, we should go the extra mile to ensure that local government autonomy is achieved.
“That is why I want the Speaker himself to chair the Constitutional Review Committee so that together we will do the magic.
“I’m assuring you that with local governments’ full autonomy, Nigerians would once more sleep with their eyes closed and move around everywhere without the fear of being molested or taken away.”
