The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has expressed its firm rejection of the proposed bill for the conversion of 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, into Local Government Areas.
The proposed bill recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the council’s National President, Isah Abubakar, said, “This move is not only unjust but also poses a significant threat to the principles of equity and fairness that must underpin our nation’s governance.”
He added, “We believe that the creation of new LGAs should not be a measure that benefits only Lagos State at the expense of other states in the federation.”
The group noted that if the 37 LCDAs are allowed to transition into LGAs, it would set a dangerous precedent, inevitably leading other LCDAs across the country to demand similar recognition.
According to Abubakar, “This could lead to increased fragmentation and division within our national structure, undermining the unity and integrity of Nigeria.”
He called on Nigerian governors, especially those from Northern Nigeria, to protest against the bill, stressing the importance of standing as guardians of equitable governance to ensure that policies and legislation reflect the needs and rights of all Nigerians, not just those in a particular region.
The group advocated for a fair and comprehensive review of local governance structures across the country, emphasizing that any discussions around LGA creation should involve concerted dialogue with all stakeholders. They stressed that decisions should consider the diverse needs of the entire nation rather than catering to a select few.
Abubakar concluded, “As we move forward, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria remains committed to promoting unity, equity, and fairness in governance. We urge all lawmakers to reconsider the implications of this bill and to work towards the betterment of all Nigerians.”
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