Councillors must reclaim relevance in local governance – NCFN

The National Councillors Forum of Nigeria (NCFN), led by its National President Evoh Okechukwu Nwikegwu, has called upon councillors nationwide to regain their significance in local governance and resist divisive actions prior to the 2027 elections. During a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Monday, Nwikegwu stressed that councillors, despite their crucial role as the closest tier of government to the populace, have been marginalized.

He emphasized the upcoming election period as a chance for councillors to re-establish their importance in governance and the political sphere. According to Nwikegwu, councillors must remain united, committed, and strategic in raising their voices and ensuring their impact is felt at the grassroots level. He reminded members that political power comes with responsibility, with residents judging them based on their performance in their wards rather than their titles.

Nwikegwu also encouraged councillors to mobilize grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election campaign, highlighting the 2024 Supreme Court decision on local government financial autonomy as a "fiscal liberation." He suggested councillors promote government initiatives at the grassroots, mentioning road projects and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme as initiatives to engage with.

Nwikegwu announced the formation of committees to bolster cooperation with government agencies and ensure the administration's programs have a tangible impact in local communities. He cautioned against the emergence of parallel leadership structures within the forum, warning that such divisions could weaken its unity and effectiveness.

Nwikegwu urged members to uphold peace, transparency, accountability, and the collective welfare of the forum.