President Bola Tinubu has attributed the rising insecurity currently witnessed by Nigerians to the “collapse of grassroots governance” in the country.
He made the case on Friday during his nationwide broadcast to mark this year’s “Democracy Day”, otherwise known as “June 12”.
According to the president, ineffective local government administration is a major challenge to the advancement of the country.
Stressing his efforts to improve the situation, he noted that his administration sought financial autonomy for the 774 local governments in a bid to recognise the grassroots.
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Addressing Nigerians, Tinubu said: “Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils.
“A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration.
“The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance.”
He also encouraged Nigerians to continue to criticise him and disagree with his policies, as long as they do not stop believing in the country.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in the nation,” Tinubu added.