A university don, Prof Offornze Amaucheazi of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
Awka has
> blamed poor funding for dismal performance of the Local Governments system
in the country.
> The senior lecturer made this observation in Awka while delivering a
lecture at the maiden edition of exemplary leadership and award organized by
Exemplary Leadership Accolade International in Awka yesterday.
> Prof Amaucheazi who was represented by Dr Elizabeth Orji said that the
challenges confronting the local government system is largely based on poor
financial base which has adversely affected their capacity building.
> He also said that an absurd legal frame work which has tied the third tier
of government to the apron strings of other levels of government has continued
to choke the Local Governments and deny them of their constitutional
allocations.
> This has therefore prevented the councils from carrying out their
legislative and executive functions. He also pointed out that instability
created by an equals relationship between the council areas and the state as
well as the federal government has placed the third tier of government at a
great disadvantage .
> Also the Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime who was equally represented
by the commissioner for local government , Mr Okey Ani said that his state has
always conducted local government elections as at when due so that leaders can
be groomed from that level of governance .
> The governor commended the Exemlary Leadership Accolade International for
rewarding competence and hard work. He promised that his administration will
continue to be a light to
> the nation that democracy works if it is done with honesty and
> commitment .
> Gov Chime urged the awardees not to take their award for granted and that
the recognition should propel them to work harder for the upliftment of their
people .
> The country director of Exemplary Leadership Accolade International Mr
Emeka Okafor in his remark lauded the state governments that are consistently
conducting council polls. He said democracy is not complete without democratic
government at local government areas. He said his organisation will continue to
promote and encourage quality and selfless leadership with the resources at its
disposal.
