Date: 2018-10-25

The Kwara State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year's election, Hon. Razak Atunwa has promised to foster synergy between the state and local government councils if given the mandate come February 2019. Atunwa, a lawmaker representing Asa/Ilorin West federal constituency in the National Assembly made the pledge while playing host to the forum of Former Local Government Council Chairmen in the state, who came to congratulate him on his emergence as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP at his residence in Ilorin.

The lawmaker who expressed delight during the meeting noted that ongoing efforts of the National Assembly members to place local administration in proper perspectives as the third tier of government. While tracing the history of local government administration in Nigeria, Atunwa noted that robust management of the councils to meet its goal will promote socio-economic development at the grassroots.

He also described individual members of the forum as friends and acquaintances of traditional rulers, community leaders and opinion holders in their respective councils and appealed to them to use the exalted position to vigorously campaign for the party for its candidates at various levels to emerge victorious in next year's general election.

Responding, the spokespersons of the forum from the three senatorial districts in the state, Barrister Sikirullah Solagberu, Hon. Bisi Oloruntoba and Hon. James Kolo congratulated Atunwa on his victory at the primary election even as they promised to work assiduously for his success and that of other candidates of the party.

They therefore appealed to the state government to see local governments as partners in progress to enable it deliver on its mandate in order to enhance overall development of the people at that tier of government.