Discuss the importance of Local Government system in Nigeria.
Explanation
The Importance of Local Government System in Nigeria:
(i) Concentration of powers: Local government system helps in reducing the over-concentration of powers in one authority.
(ii) Government at the grassroots; It helps to bring government nearer to the people in the local areas.
(iii) Rapid development: Local areas can now develop faster than before.
(iv) It serves as a link: Local governments serve as a link between the people at the local level and the central government.
(v) Mobilization of resources: Both hUman and material resources can easily be mobilized at the local level.
(vi) Removal of fears of insecurity: It removes the feeling of insecurity and fears of one ethnic group dominating others.
(vii) Preserv-ation of traditional institutions; Traditional institutions are better preserved at the local level.
(viii) Reduction of burden: The burden of the central government is reduced in this respect.
(ix) Provision of essential services: This will be made readily available to the people at the grassroots.
(x) To prepare and develop future leaders: Local governments encourage the development of leadership potentials and prepare them for elective or leadership roles at the local levels.
(xi) To educate the people: It helps in educating the people of the activities and policies of the central government.
(xii) Sense of belonging: It gives the people the opportunity to participate in matters affecting them thereby creating the sense of belonging.