OPINION: Seyi Makinde, An Administrative Savvy Governor With The Native Intelligence Of The Third Tier Of Government | Ibrahim Oladebo Simple

Foremost, what do we call “Democracy”? Democracy is typically a form of government in which the common people hold political power and can rule either directly or through elected representatives.
An example of democracy at work is in the United States, where people have political freedom and equality. It’s a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, strictly through elected representatives. While the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde OMI-TUNTUN is a typical example and product of democracy as he was massively and democratically elected as the Pacesetter State Governor during the last general election.

Meanwhile, the current administration in Oyo State under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde OMI-TUNTUN had earlier since he assumed the coveted office stated that, he and his Administration will be a respecter of law and also will always abide by the rules and regulations of the Country as a whole. And on this promises, he has not erred. Another pertinent promise he made was that he will conduct the LG election if he became Governor–and he was favourably voted for. As a beneficiary of a democratic election, GSM has been a listening Governor. He heard, saw and felt the pains and agonizing situation of the masses due to the failures of the previous Administration with a tormenting eight (8) wasteful years of the APC!

The coast is clear now on the forthcoming Local Government election as promised by the Governor. As the Oyo State House of Assembly assented to the nomination of the OYSIEC Members on Thursday, 27th of August, 2020. And everyone with intent of contesting at the local council should be preparing for the unprecedented free, fair, and credible Local Government election–it’s business unusual!

How functional is Local Government?

These functions of Local Government are not limited to:

✨Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds.

✨Economic recommendations to the State.

✨Legal collection of taxes, fees/dues.

✨Licensing of bicycles, trucks, wheel barrows and carts.

✨Construction and maintenance of roads, streets, drains and other public highways, and parks etc

✨Naming of roads and streets and numbering of houses.

✨Establishment, maintenance and regulation of markets, motor parks and public conveniences.

✨Provision and maintenance of public transportation and refuse disposal.

✨Registration of births, deaths and marriages.

✨Assessing the privately owned buildings or tenements for the purpose of levying such rates as may be prescribed by the State Legislative Arms.

✨Control and regulation of out-door advertising, movement, keeping of pets of all descriptions, shops and kiosks, restaurants and other vendors etc.

When we talk of the advantages of the Local Government…

These advantages are:

1. Opportunity to participate in decision-making:
The activities of Local Authorities at the local level is just a depiction of the government at the central government level. It is true that not all the local people can participate in the activities of the central government. However, the opportunity is given to the locals, to be part of the decision-making of the Local Authority in which the masses at the grassroots will be a direct beneficiaries.

2. It brings government closer to the people:
Local Authorities are a representative of the central government at the local level so it is argued that it brings government closer to the people. Many of the services that can be provided by the central government are also been provided by the Local Authorities. So Local Authorities bring government closer to the people.

3.Training ground for national leadership: participation in local government activities prepares budding politicians for future leadership positions. Local politicians learn the rope as they participate in the local politics. A former presidential candidate of the Convention People’s Party, Dr. Kwesi Nduom was once an Assembly Member at the local government level before becoming a Parliamentarian and he can be sited as an example of what I am talking about; So training is received when they partake in local government and it will surely prepared the individuals ahead as many people in Oyo State can also be sited as typical example of the graduating and promoted Political elected office holders.

4.Political Education:
Local government activities promote political education. This is because local politics encourages local discussion of both local and national issues, practices and policies so that as these things are going on, the local people consciously or unconsciously imbibe political education.

5.Reducing the work load of central government:
The fact that local governments take care of the affairs of the people at the local level, means that they take away some of the work reserved for the national government. This lessens the work load on the shoulders of the central government.

6.Source of employment:
Some or most of the workers at the Local Authority level are those living in the locality. They are employed as professionals and as casual workers. This serves as a source of livelihood for them. Therefore, the Local Authority serves as a source of employment for the people.

7.Room for quick decision-making:
Local Authorities allow for quick decisions to be taken. In other words, they do not have to consult the central government on certain local issues before they find solutions to them.

However, as Oyo State Government is showing seriousness and sincerity in her governance with local government election in sight, it would surely add an economic growth and physical development to the Pacesetter State. And the good leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde OMI-TUNTUN is setting the pace in laying down a great precedence and would no doubt leave an indelible mark of honour while his tenure last.