The senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Gbenga Daniel, has backed the call for local government autonomy saying, it will enable rural dwellers to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Daniel noted that only local government can adequately cater to the needs of the people at the grassroots, especially those in rural communities.
The former Ogun State governor spoke on Tuesday while presenting his stewardship report at a “Dialogue with Journalists” event in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
He maintained that the local government is closer to the people and granting autonomy will make it function more effectively and perform its responsibilities.
“Once upon a time, local governments in Ogun State were building roads, health centres and so on. And I didn’t change the law. I believe in local government autonomy.
“There is no way you can sit in Abuja and solve the problems of people in Maun in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. It is the local government that will solve their problems, so, I believe in local government autonomy,” Daniel said.
While fielding questions from journalists, the senator recalled the state did not lay off workers during his tenure as governor but rather employed lots of people.
“My responsibilities as a governor then were responsibilities to the good, the bad and the ugly. I trained people through the OGAGEP, in painting, and welders, who fabricated poles for street lights, and graduates were employed in the state civil service,” he said.