Tinubu achieved LG autonomy in 45 days, what OBJ, Yar’Adua, Jonathan could not attain in 20 years – Olaosebikan

A former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government in Oyo State, Honourable Kehinde Olaosebikan said President Bola Tinubu has already made history with the Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy.

According to Olaosebikan, from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, none of the leaders could grant local governments the much-needed autonomy.

He pointed out that for over 20 years, successive Nigerian presidents pursued without success, the single course of action of seeking local government emancipation through the National Assembly, a feat he emphasized President Tinubu achieved through the courts in over one month.

He stated: “With the precise appointment of one of the best, progressive-minded giants in the legal profession in the country, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, as the Attorney General and Justice Minister of the Federation, Tinubu achieved what four former presidents could not achieve in over 20 years in less than 45 days.

“The suit craving autonomy for the local governments was filed on the 27th of May, 2024, and judgment was delivered on the 11th of July, 2024.

“With an effective strategy and willpower, President Tinubu, through his Attorney General, took a new route via the court and swiftly achieved the local governments’ liberation. This is a great accomplishment that should be commended by all.”

Olaosebikan, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, noted that full autonomy for the third tier of government is one of the many wonderful achievements the current administration will accomplish for the nation. He added that President Tinubu is demonstrating strategic thinking and a strong political will in governance to underscore why having strong, skilled, and talented individuals in leadership positions is crucial in determining outcomes.

The former local government boss admitted that the liberation of the councils would go a long way in alleviating both the festering problems of insecurity and hunger in the country, saying all that is required is to have capable, innovative, courageous, and savvy people managing the local administrations.

“With capable local government chairmen and councillors, not just lackeys of the governors, both the allocated and internally generated resources of each local government area would be used for the peculiar needs of each local government,” he assured.

Olaosebikan predicted that Nigerians are in for a better time and would yearn for President Tinubu to continue in office in 2027.