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.

1. It promotes governance at the local level
2. It helps in the mobilization of local material resources for development
3. It assists in mobilizing local human resources for development
4. It identifies and advertises the economic potentials of the area to attract investors
5. It assists in the maintenance of law and order at the local level
6. It creates employment
7. Generates revenue for local development
8. Trains future political leaders through grassroot politics
9. Promotes political participation and governance
10. Serves as a bridge linking the local people to the central government
11. Assists in the legitimization of the political system
12. It encourages the self-help spirit/local initiatives
13. It helps to unlock economic potentials /unearth local initiatives
14. It draws the attention of the central government to the pressing needs of the people
15. It explains government policies to the people
16. It assists in national integration
17. Provision for conflict resolution mechanisms in the local area
18. Reduce the workload of the central government
19. It promotes efficiency
20. Provision of essential services
21. Ensures rapid response in times of emergency
22. Enhances effective decentralization
23. Assists in addressing the basic needs of the people at the local level