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…Tinubu, Uzodimma, Omidiran charge LGA chairmen on inclusive governance, accountability
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has backed the inclusion of local communities as part of security architecture to combat the rising spate of insecurity in the country.
He also called for a stronger partnership between local government, communities, traditional and religious institutions, security agencies and the private sector to strengthen security at the grassroots.
The Defence Minister, made the appeal in his keynote address, at the Federal Character Commission’s two-day national workshop for local government chairmen, organised in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Abuja.
According to him; insecurity is experienced most directly at the community level, making local knowledge indispensable to effective prevention and early intervention.
He spoke on the topic; “Strengthening grassroots security through inclusive local leadership, community partnership and Inter-Agency Collaboration.
“If we are serious about preventing insecurity rather than simply responding to it after it occurs, then the knowledge and experience of those closest to the people must become an integral part of our security effort,” he said.
While throwing his weight behind the proposal for the establishment of local government security coordination committees across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), he stressed that the initiative would only succeed if the committees were functional rather than merely another layer of bureaucracy.
“The objective should be clear, to strengthen the connection between our communities and the security architecture of the country, improve early warning and, where possible, prevent incidents before they escalate,” Musa said.
“When we secure a farming community, we are protecting livelihoods and food production. When we secure a business district, we are protecting investment and employment.
“The objective is not to create parallel security structures, but to improve coordination, strengthen existing institutions and ensure that every stakeholder contributes effectively within his or her area of responsibility,” Musa said.
Equally speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu, chairman of APC PGF, Governor Hope Uzodimma, and the Executive Chairman of the Character Commission, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, among others charged the chairmen of the 774 LGAs on inclusive governance and accountability.
They also tasked them to translate the principles of federal character into practical, inclusive and equitable governance at the grassroots, stressing that the effectiveness of national governance is ultimately measured by its impact on citizens at the community level.
They gave the charge separately in their remarks at the Character Commission’s two-day national workshop for local government chairmen, organised in collaboration with the PGF.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, President Tinubu urged the gathered government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders to deepen the implementation of federal character, inclusive governance and grassroots development.
He further emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest assets, stressing that the country’s multiplicity of cultures, ethnicities and beliefs must be managed through fairness, justice and inclusion.
According to him, Local Government Councils occupy a strategic position in Nigeria’s governance architecture because they constitute the closest interface between citizens and the state.
“Policies, no matter how well-crafted, achieve little unless they are effectively translated into action where it matters most, the grassroots.
“You must rise above sectional interests and embrace a broader national perspective that prioritises unity over division and inclusiveness over exclusion,” the President said.
Earlier, the commission’s boss, Omidiran said that diversity must be the strength of the country, explaining that the workshop was designed to strengthen the connection between federal character, grassroots governance and national integration.
“Our ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversities are not obstacles to nationhood; rather, they are valuable strengths capable of driving national growth when managed with equity, justice, and sincerity of purpose,” she said.
Omidiran further noted that local governments were uniquely positioned to manage diversity within communities through equitable distribution of opportunities, fair representation, inclusive leadership and meaningful engagement with citizens.
“The future of Nigeria depends greatly on our collective willingness to promote justice above prejudice, unity above division, and national interest above personal or sectional considerations,” Omidiran said.
The chairman, represented by the Director-General, Folorunso S. Aluko, commended the FCC for partnering with the forum on the initiative.
He described local government as the point where citizens encounter government most directly, noting that functioning primary healthcare centres, accessible community roads, improved sanitation and support for vulnerable citizens were tangible manifestations of government.
“When a primary healthcare centre functions, a community road becomes passable, sanitation improves or vulnerable citizens receive support, government ceases to be an abstract institution, it becomes a living source of dignity, confidence and hope,” Aluko said.
“Autonomy must always travel with responsibility. Greater authority must produce higher standards of transparent budgeting, prudent financial management, merit-based appointments, procurement integrity, audit compliance and meaningful citizen engagement,” he said.
“Local Government Chairmen are not merely administrators of councils; you are custodians of public trust and frontline builders of the Nigerian federation,” he said.
