By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The immediate past Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Nasara Rabo, has praised the governance style of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, particularly in the area of local government autonomy and capacity development, describing it as a model worth replicating nationwide.
The former council boss, who spoke in an exclusive interview, recalled the era under El-Rufai’s administration as one that empowered local government councils with financial independence and prioritized leadership training.
“As Executive Chairmen under El-Rufai’s leadership, we underwent intensive training both locally and internationally,” he said.
“We were exposed to courses in leadership, project implementation, procurement ethics, environmental management, and climate change response. We attended strategic conferences and seminars that expanded our understanding of governance at the grassroots.”
According to him, the training equipped local government administrators to function competitively, not just within Nigeria, but also as sub-national entities on the global stage.
“We competed internationally in terms of sub-national development metrics, and more importantly, we enjoyed true financial autonomy. This allowed for visible, tangible projects at the grassroots level. Communities could see and feel governance directly,” he added.
The former chairman lamented what he described as the growing neglect of local governments in many parts of the country, warning that such backsliding weakens democracy and service delivery.
He, however, expressed optimism in the future of grassroots governance, throwing his weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political vehicle to reclaim and reform local governance nationwide.
“Let the entire country bear witness to the standard we upheld during our tenure,” he said.
“We are coming again, and this time under the ADC banner. Come 2027, Nigerians will see a new wave of credible leadership rooted in grassroots development.”
The ADC has recently gained traction among some former political office holders, activists, and young technocrats, projecting itself as a third-force alternative to the dominant APC and PDP.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, analysts say local government reforms, service delivery, and fiscal federalism are emerging as major issues that could sway voter sentiment—especially in rural communities.
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