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‘It’s better to have 774 thieves than one,’ Oshiomhole backs local council autonomy

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The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has thrown his weight behind the financial autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. 

His endorsement followed the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling, which upheld the financial autonomy of local governments in the country.

Speaking at a forum on local government autonomy organized by the House of Representatives on Monday, Oshiomhole stressed the importance of character in governance and accountability. 

He said as a former governor of Edo State, he knows firsthand the significance of responsible leadership at the grassroots.

He said: “Local government chairmen have significant responsibilities, given their proximity to the people.

“They must allocate resources wisely for essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and other public services.

READ ALSO: ICPC vows to enforce Supreme Court judgment on local council autonomy

 “It’s better to have 774 local government chairmen who are thieves than one big thief.” 

The former governor insisted that with financial autonomy, every local government in Nigeria would produce one or two billionaires, rather than having just one billionaire in the state.

Oshiomhole’s comments underscore the need for local governments to have greater control over their finances and decision-making processes. 

This, he believes, will lead to more effective governance and development at the grassroots.

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