Nigerians with credible pedigree have been urged to contest in local government elections to strengthen the democratic process in the country and build governance at the base.
The Christian Conscience made the call in a communique made available to Church Times by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunji Oguntuase after its monthly executive meeting in Lagos.
The communique was jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi, and the General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kolawole Verrals.
The group noted that since the recent landmark judgement of the Supreme Court which gave total autonomy to local government, people with good track records should start vying for political offices at the grassroots.
Part of the statement reads, “God-fearing people with good character, credible and passionate about social responsibilities should come out to contest to strengthen local administration and development at the forthcoming local Government elections in various states, particularly in Lagos State.
“The entire voting population should also see this exercise as their civic responsibility towards good, effective, and efficient governance in the country. The whole essence of Local Government administration is for people to be involved, thus bringing Governance down to the doorsteps of the general people who are the owners of the democratic process”
While noting that the nearest system of Government to the people is the local Government, the body warned that “If it is left for just anybody, the expected dividend of democracy will continue to elude the people and the land in the country”
The group pleaded with people who fear God to step out and be involved at the grassroots. “We can be sure with such calibre of people we shall witness a positive departure from the old order where such responsibilities are left for just anybody who are not competent and worthy to occupy such exalted positions at the grassroots.” the statement noted.
Christian Conscience observed that with the right people at the grassroots and proper funding, many local government areas will witness massive development.
The group, noted with joy and pride, the synergy and bond between the past governors of Lagos State and the current governor, Mr Babajide Sawonolu, when Ambode visited.
It stated further, “Lagos State has been adjudged as one of the best-administered states in the nation, where succession and development had been a continuum The reason for this notion is not far-fetched from the ingenuity and popular programmes by the leaders in the state.
It is then pleaded that “purposeful leadership with people of great minds should be replicated at the local Governments”