….Says move could disrupt country’s governance structure
By Emmanuel Agbo, Kaduna
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has strongly opposed a proposed bill seeking to upgrade the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State into full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs).
In a statement issued on Thursday in Kaduna, the NYCN National President, Isah Abubakar, described the bill as unfair and a potential threat to national unity.
He cautioned that such a move could disrupt the country’s governance structure by setting a precedent that may lead to further divisions.
“We believe that the creation of new LGAs should not be a unilateral benefit for Lagos State while neglecting other regions in the federation. If these LCDAs are converted, it will trigger similar demands nationwide, complicating the country’s governance framework,” Abubakar stated.
He urged northern governors and other political leaders to resist the bill, emphasizing the need for equitable governance that considers all regions of Nigeria. Isah further stressed that any adjustments to local government structures should be based on national consensus rather than regional advantage.
“We call on northern governors to stand firm against this proposal. It is imperative that policies and legislation reflect the collective interests of all Nigerians rather than favoring a particular region,” he added.
The NYCN reiterated its commitment to promoting fairness in governance and urged lawmakers to reconsider the broader implications of the bill. The proposal, which has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, has sparked nationwide debate, with stakeholders expressing divergent views on its potential impact.
Lagos State is scheduled to conduct local government elections in 2025, covering both its 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. However, discussions surrounding the role and recognition of LCDAs in Nigeria’s governance framework remain contentious.
The NYCN has urged legislators to prioritize national unity and ensure that any decision regarding LGA creation is made through an inclusive and transparent process that serves the interests of all Nigerians.
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