I wish to add my voice and opinion to the avalanche of suggestions on how the Federal Government can handle the recovered “Emefiele’s Duplexes” for the benefit of the public.
While there is suggestion that it should be handed over to the Nigerian Military to serve as additional barracks for them, others have suggested outright sales through open competitive biding to the members of the public, amongst other enthusiastic suggestions to guide the Federal Government in taking decisions on the recovered corruption proceed from an embattled erstwhile public servant.
It is in response to such previous suggestions and opinions that i wish to proffer that the Federal Government convert the recovered 753 duplexes from the embattled former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to a National Liason Office for Local Government Areas (NLOFLGA) for the 774 LGA in Nigeria.
It is my considered suggestion that the Federal Government can make up the deficit of the 21 duplexes, complete the building and allocate same to each of the LGA in Nigeria to serve as national monument and as a metaphorical reference even to the future generations.
The strategic importance of converting the estate to a national asset by designating it as Liaison Offices and Residential Quarters for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country is that, it will continually serves as a metaphorical reference and exposition of betrayal of public trust by the public officers and the visible efforts of the Federal Government in the combative fight against the menace called corruption.
It therefore, becomes expedient for the Government to designate the duplexes in clusters per State and dedicate each unit in each cluster to each Local Government Area.
If the suggestion is taken, the monument and the estate can also serve as additional source of revenue for each of the LGA, should they decide to put it up for commercial ventures.
To handle the project effortlessly, the cost of building the extra 21 units and completing the existing ones should be equitably deducted from the monthly federal allocations to LGAs over a period of time, in a way that minimises financial strain.
The gesture will further strengthen our federal system by ensuring national representation and Identity, as each Local Government will have a physical presence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), symbolising national inclusiveness and strengthening the identity of LGAs as fundamental components of governance.
In addition, it will ensure administrative utility; as the estate can serve as official liaison offices for local governments to interface with federal ministries, agencies, and development partners, improving coordination and project follow-up.
It will also reduce expenses on accommodation; as the duplexes can serve as temporary accommodations for Local Government chairpersons, officials, or delegations visiting the FCT on official assignments, reducing public expenditure on hotel stays.
Finally, it can promote national unity; since having all LGAs represented in one location promotes intergovernmental collaboration and fosters a stronger bond and a sense of unity amongst the 774 LGAs in Nigeria.
I wish to, therefore, urge the Federal Government to consider this as not just an administrative option, but as a legacy project that gives every part of Nigeria a physical footprint in the capital and strengthens grassroots governance at the national level.
Chief Salisu Ogbo Usman, PhD, a Political Economy and Development specialist, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State
Email: usmansalisuogbo9@gmail.com
