PDP Chieftain: Only Local Government Autonomy Will Truly Benefit the Poor

• Chief Nnamdi Iheoma emphasized that genuine local government autonomy is vital for democracy to benefit the poor in Nigeria
• Iheoma urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s progress, asserting that real change requires accountability and effective local governance

Chief Nnamdi Iheoma, a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has emphasized that genuine local government autonomy is essential for the poor to experience the benefits of democracy in Nigeria.

In response to President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to grant full autonomy to local government areas (LGAs) and the push for elections at the third tier of government, Chief Iheoma highlighted the importance of empowering local governments to function independently.

Iheoma, a former candidate for the chairmanship of Ikeduru Local Government in Imo State, pointed out that for democracy to positively impact citizens, governments at all levels must work together to ensure the right individuals are placed in leadership positions.

“The federal government’s recent move towards local government autonomy was celebrated as a positive step,” Iheoma stated. “But we must go beyond excitement. Real change happens when we hold ourselves accountable and contribute to shaping the system.”

He also dismissed the notion that any political party alone—whether APC, PDP, or Labour Party—can save Nigeria. Instead, he urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s progress.

“Only Nigerians can save Nigeria,” he said. “We need to focus on how we can improve local government development. It’s the most direct way to address Nigerians’ immediate challenges.”

Iheoma further urged the president to ensure that local governments are not extensions of state governors’ authority, advocating for a robust local government system as the key to solving many of Nigeria’s pressing issues.