Insecurity: LG autonomy will address security issues in Zamfara – Jaji

A federal lawmaker representing Birnin Magaji/Kaura Namoda Federal Constituency in Zamfara State, Mr. Aminu Sani Jaji, has assured that the emerging security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of the country will be addressed with local government autonomy.

He said the major cause of the huge security challenges is that most youths in the country have no means of livelihood. An empty head, he said, is the devil’s workshop.

Mr Jaji further stated that the teeming, unproductive population lacks education and skills, stressing that this continues to be the root cause of banditry and other forms of criminality.

He made this known during a public lecture and interactive session organised on Saturday by the Zamfara State Students Association (ZAMSSA), Ahmadu Bello University chapter, where he was the guest speaker.

The federal legislator stressed the need for governments at all levels to pay more attention to policies to promote education as a means of tackling insecurity in Zamfara State and Nigeria in general.

Mr Jaji further stated that it is an unfortunate system where governments at all levels have unfortunately been able to address the problem by providing education and skills to the teeming illiterate youth.

He indicated that governments are totally ignorant of the real causes of the security challenges facing almost all communities in Nigeria.

“While local government autonomy would undoubtedly help to reduce the menacing levels of banditry and other forms of criminal activities, as well as cattle rustling, farmer-herder clashes and inter-communal conflicts,” he said.

The legislator further commended the granting of autonomy to local government, as it is the level of government closest to the people and is key to local population development, economic growth and improved service delivery.

“In short, local government autonomy refers to the freedom of local governments to manage their affairs, make decisions and allocate resources without undue interference from higher levels of government.

“It is about empowering local communities to take ownership of their development, harness local resources and respond to unique local needs.

“As we examine the importance of local government autonomy, we must also consider its benefits, challenges and successes.

“We will explore how autonomy can unlock economic growth and development, improve service delivery, and address local security and conflict resolution.”