In a press conference held on Wednesday, the 5th of December, 2024, Barrister Kayode Mogbojuri, speaking on behalf of the Registered Trustees of Secure World and Liberty Initiative, addressed the critical need for the screening of members of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). The event highlighted the pressing constitutional and democratic concerns surrounding the delay in conducting local government elections in Lagos State.
The Registered Trustees of Secure World and Liberty Initiative recently took legal action by filing a case at the High Court of Lagos State against the Governor of Lagos State and the Lagos State House of Assembly. The lawsuit aims to compel the House of Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duty of screening LASIEC members, who were appointed by the Governor six months ago.
Mogbojuri emphasized the vital role of local government councils in delivering essential services and promoting participatory democracy at the grassroots level. However, the failure to conduct elections regularly, as mandated by the Constitution of Nigeria, poses a significant threat to democracy and governance in Lagos State.
The delay in screening LASIEC members not only violates constitutional provisions but also undermines the democratic principles of accountability and transparency. The current situation has created uncertainties for elected local government officials and raises concerns about the potential extension of their tenures beyond statutory limits, jeopardizing the democratic will of the people.
The press conference highlighted the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly’s alleged obstruction of the screening process, which could lead to the appointment of administrative officers to manage Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in violation of constitutional mandates for elected leadership at the local government level.
The call to action extends beyond Lagos State, with national implications for upholding democratic governance. The press conference urged civil society organizations, the media, and all Nigerians to demand accountability from the Lagos State Government and the House of Assembly in ensuring the integrity of local government elections.
The Registered Trustees of Secure World and Liberty Initiative reiterated their commitment to pursuing the matter through legal channels to defend democracy and uphold the voices of the people. The press conference concluded with a plea for the Lagos State House of Assembly to promptly screen LASIEC appointees to prevent further compromise of democracy at the grassroots level.
The urgent need for action to safeguard democracy in Lagos State resonates as a critical issue with far-reaching implications for the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
