Lagos – The Senator representing Lagos Central, Wasiu Sanni-Eshilokun, on Saturday, urged residents to hold their council, chairmen and councillors accountable and engage them for better performance.

He said this while speaking after casting his vote on Lagos Island during the local government elections across Lagos State.

Sanni-Eshilokun expressed support for the state’s electoral commission, saying its role in conducting local government polls is constitutional.

“Communities must hold their chairmen and councillors accountable and engage them regularly to ensure they serve their people effectively,” he said.

He urged elected officials to work hard, deliver democratic dividends, and develop infrastructure across the various local government areas.

“It is important to bring government closer to the people,” he added.

Speaking on the constitution, he stressed that nothing should be done outside its provisions in a democratic society.

He noted that, even in developed countries like the U.S., state commissions conduct elections, including senate and presidential polls.

“Therefore, there is no reason to prevent state commissions from conducting state and local government elections,” Sanni-Eshilokun said.

Commenting on local government autonomy, the senator said it is effective in Lagos, where councils operate independently.

“Local governments in Lagos State have been autonomous and manage their funds without interference,” he said.

He added, “I once served as a local government chairman in Lagos and can confirm the autonomy is real and functioning.”

He expressed confidence that states yet to comply with the Supreme Court ruling would soon do so.

“It is a democratic cause and, eventually, all states will abide by the judgment,” he noted.

Asked how the Senate could support this, he said the Federal Government had promised to sanction non-compliant states.

“The FG has directed that any state still operating a joint account will face consequences,” he said.

He explained that funds meant for councils would now be paid directly to them by the Federal Government.

“It’s only a matter of time. The FG must insist on direct payments to local governments,” he said.
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