Says Nigeria’s Insecurity Rooted in Suffocated Local Govts
Backs Tinubu’s reforms, calls Atiku ‘inconsistent’ over subsidy
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, has attributed Nigeria’s lingering insecurity to the collapse of the local government system, calling for a complete return to grassroots governance as the ultimate panacea.
Onoja, who currently serves on the board of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), stated this in an exclusive interview in Abuja.
Reflecting on his tenure as chief of staff and deputy to former Governor Yahaya Bello, Onoja also addressed political alignments in the state, his recent church ordination, and national economic issues under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Insecurity and Grassroots Governance
Proposing a radical solution to the nation’s security challenges, Onoja argued that effective policing and development must originate from the lowest tier of government.
“Everything is local. Insecurity is local, development is local, and infrastructure is local,” Onoja said.
According to him, the emasculation of local councils since the return of democracy in 1999 has created a vacuum exploited by criminal elements. He urged full adherence to the Supreme Court-backed financial autonomy for local governments.
“Take us back to when the local system was working—when a chairman held his local government down, managed his resources with his councillors, and catered to his locality. Give Nigeria 24 months of a fully functional local government system, and you will not hear of insecurity again,” he declared.
Political Reconciliation in Kogi
Addressing speculation regarding his relationship with his former principal, Yahaya Bello, Onoja confirmed that the perceived political rift was behind them, noting that both men had mutually agreed to move forward in the interest of the state and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Photos of a recent meeting involving Bello, incumbent Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Onoja, and other key stakeholders had recently surfaced online, sparking public interest.
“It was not a quarrel, a battle, or a fight; everybody just needed some space,” Onoja explained. “Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s humility and wisdom in brokering peace brought the house together. We let go, both of us, and it is past. We are now working together for a better Kogi State and Nigeria.”
He also dismissed questions about why he did not contest a senatorial seat, stating that executive administration and developmental service—such as his current assignment on the SEDC board—remain his preferred turf over legislative duties.
Defense of Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Weighing in on the removal of the petrol subsidy and current economic hardships, Onoja backed President Tinubu’s policies, comparing the initial shock to treating a malignant tumor.
“Nigeria, in the last 30 years before Tinubu, was like managing a tumor. Every president knew subsidy was a cancer,” he said, adding that the removal ultimately created an enabling environment for private investments like the Dangote Refinery to function.
Onoja, however, launched a scathing attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his stance on the petroleum subsidy. Referencing Atiku’s political reversals on the policy, Onoja branded him an “inconsistent politician,” advising Nigerians to be wary of leaders who alter their positions for political expediency.
Onoja, who was recently ordained a deacon in the United Evangelical Church in his hometown of Ogugu, Kogi State, noted that his new spiritual responsibility would complement his public service by reinforcing his commitment to high moral standards and integrity.
“Naturally, it will make you better in leadership, in administration, and in service to humanity, which is the entire life and wire of politics,” he said.
