LGA ELECTIONS : HOPE FOR A NEW BEGINNING.

Just when one is about to lose faith in government and governance, then serving officials make moves that restores and renews ones faith in them. The resolution of the Senate that mandated state governments to conduct local government elections, otherwise local government areas without a democratically elected Chairman would not be entitled to receive allocation is a step in the right direction.

Fortunately or unfortunately, it had to come to this, but if it is what it takes to get the local government system running again like it should, then it's a very welcomed development. How better to compel people to do something if not by propelling them with finance. If not for the condition of withdrawal of local government allocation, the call for the conduct of local government elections would have been doused down by the reasons that enthroned the caretaker committee system. Money matters was also the ploy adopted by state governments in putting the local government system under wrap, with the State joint local government account system of revenue allocation.

Local government is the third tier of government. It is the government grassroot people see. Somehow, unfortunately, overtime it seemed as though it became subjugated under State Governments. As if the authority of the local government was whittled down, while that of the State Government became magnified.

The mandate to conduct local government elections would not only affirm the autonomy of the local government system, but also revive the system entirely.

Most successful politicians today began their politicial careers from grassroot politics. They set out by vying for a seat as a Councellor or the office of Chairman,and from there, unto higher politicial offices. This allowed them to grow, garner experience and develop (political) spine. Unlike what has become obtainable today whereby local governments are being managed by Coordinators and Caretaker Committees who are appointed by the State Governor.

The appointees understandablly will owe allegiance to who appointed them. This raised a breed of politicians whose duty is loyality to who appointed them, and whose agenda must remain in line with that of their master. This practice is unhealthy in many ways. For one, it inhibits initiatives of the appointed officials as all they do must be in line with the will of who appointed them. Thereby making it difficult to design their own line of action.

Also, the caretaker committees have an undefined duration in Office. Their stay is at the discretion of the Chief Executive who appointed them. One could wake up one morning and hear that the Committees or a particular Committee has been dissolved. Or an appointee can serve in Office for as long as he remains in the good books of the Governor. This lack of continuity and "prolonged continuity" is unhealthy for the system. As in the former, the appointed official cannot make long-term plans as he is not sure of tomorrow, and in the latter, a loyalist who dances to the tune of his master remains in Office.

An election allows a breeding ground for a crop of politicians who rise to power by their popularity among the electrorates, and not by (blind) loyality to a political god. There will always be a difference between an elected official and an appointed one. The former is not compelled to the whims of any one individual, as he is conscious of the will of the people who voted him into power.

Outside the scope of politics, civil servants in the local government system enjoyed a fine career. The system was a platform to contribute their quota in governance. The administration once used to be efficient, everyone understood their duties and responsibilities. The system was dignifing and rewarding, not only for the political class, but also to the career civil servants. People found fulfillment in their jobs and took great pride in it. Hopefully, the local government system will relive her glory days again.

The government has set the ball rolling, it is up to us now to dust up our voter's cards and exercise our voting rights. Given that local government is closest to home, the aspirants are people we know - we know their past and their present, so no need for propaganda.

An observer may be tempted to dismiss the election, believing it would be marred with imposition of candidates, rigging of elections and other forms of electoral malpractice. Indeed, it would not be proof from all that, but history has recorded many victories of candidates who won elections without the blessings of the "gods". At least an election would offer a playing ground, though evidently the playing ground is not so levelled.