Question 5
Outline five major reasons for which it is important for a state to have efficient local government system.
Observation
This was no threat to the candidates. Candidates that attempted this question did very well well and scored high marks. The candidates were expected to give the following points as their answers.
- It promotes governance at the local level
- It helps in the mobilization of local material resources for development
- It assists in mobilizing local human resources for development
- It identifies and advertises the economic potentials of the area to attract investors
- It assists in the maintenance of law and order at the local level
- It creates employment
- Generates revenue for local development
- Trains future political leaders through grassroot politics
- Promotes political participation and governance
- Serves as a bridge linking the local people to the central government
- Assists in the legitimization of the political system
- It encourages the self-help spirit/local initiatives
- It helps to unlock economic potentials /unearth local initiatives
- It draws the attention of the central government to the pressing needs of the people
- It explains government policies to the people
- It assists in national integration
- Provision for conflict resolution mechanisms in the local area
- Reduce the workload of the central government
- It promotes efficiency
- Provision of essential services
- Ensures rapid response in times of emergency
- Enhances effective decentralization
- Assists in addressing the basic needs of the people at the local level