Adetokunbo Kayode, a former Minister of Defence and Labour and Productivity, has issued a strong call to action for local government chairmen across Nigeria, urging them to prioritize their presence and active engagement within their respective council areas as a critical measure to combat the escalating insecurity challenges facing the nation. Kayode argues that the current practice of many chairmen residing in state capitals, rather than being embedded within the communities they are elected to serve, significantly undermines their ability to effectively address security concerns and oversee local development initiatives. This absentee leadership, he contends, creates a vacuum that exacerbates the vulnerability of communities to criminal activities and hinders the timely response to security threats. His appeal emphasizes the vital role of local government chairmen as the Chief Security Officers of their council areas, a responsibility that demands their consistent presence and active involvement in the day-to-day security operations and community engagement efforts.
Kayode’s proposition goes beyond simply recommending a change in residence for local government officials. He advocates for a fundamental shift in the operational structure of local governance, suggesting the implementation of mandatory attendance requirements for chairmen and councilors, similar to the standard workday practices observed in other sectors. He proposes that these officials should be required to work from their council areas from Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm, unless they obtain prior written approval from the governor or deputy governor for absences. This structured approach, he believes, would instill a greater sense of accountability and ensure consistent engagement with the local populace and their concerns. This direct interaction, in turn, would facilitate a better understanding of the unique security challenges facing each community and enable more targeted and effective responses.
Further strengthening his proposal for improved local governance and security, Kayode advocates for the establishment of an Office of Inspector of Local Government Administration. This office, operating under the purview of the deputy governor, would be tasked with enforcing the proposed attendance requirements for local government officials, diligently monitoring their performance, and ensuring the effective execution of their mandated duties. By introducing this oversight mechanism, Kayode envisions a system where local governance becomes more responsive to the needs of the people and contributes actively to enhancing security at the grassroots level. This proposal seeks to create a more structured and accountable framework for local governance, ensuring that officials are consistently engaged and their performance is subject to regular scrutiny.
The former minister’s argument centers on the fundamental principle of bringing governance closer to the people. He posits that the physical presence of local government leaders within their constituencies is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a crucial element in fostering trust, facilitating effective communication, and enabling a rapid response to security threats. By being embedded within the communities they serve, chairmen can gain firsthand knowledge of the security challenges, build stronger relationships with local stakeholders, and mobilize resources more efficiently to address emerging threats. This proactive approach, he believes, is essential to mitigating the escalating insecurity across the nation.
Moreover, Kayode emphasizes the importance of allocating increased federal funding towards bolstering grassroots security initiatives. Recognizing the financial constraints often faced by local governments, he argues that a portion of the increased federal allocations should be specifically earmarked for enhancing security measures at the community level. This would empower local authorities to invest in critical resources such as personnel, equipment, and training programs necessary for effectively combating crime and maintaining order within their jurisdictions. This targeted investment, he believes, would significantly strengthen the capacity of local communities to address security challenges and contribute to the overall stability of the nation.
In essence, Kayode’s call to action is a comprehensive proposal aimed at revitalizing local governance and enhancing security at the grassroots level. By mandating the presence of local government chairmen within their communities, establishing a robust oversight mechanism to ensure accountability, and dedicating increased federal funding towards local security initiatives, he envisions a more responsive and effective system of governance that is better equipped to address the pressing security challenges facing Nigeria. His proposal underscores the vital role of local leadership in maintaining peace and security, emphasizing that a proactive and engaged approach at the grassroots level is crucial to achieving lasting stability across the nation. He believes that by empowering local communities with the necessary resources and ensuring the consistent presence of their elected officials, Nigeria can create a safer and more secure environment for all its citizens.
