Calabar, The Senate resolve to reject autonomy for local governments in Nigeria has been described as one decision that negates the wishes of a majority of Nigerians.
This was stated in Calabar Wednesday by the leadership of two faith-based groups, the Justice Development and Peace Committee (JDPC) and Caritas Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the House of Representatives recently approved autonomy for the councils but the Upper House voted against it.
Speaking on behalf of JDPC/Caritas Nigeria, Rev Fr. Evaristus Bassey, the Executive Secretary/National Coordinator, said the senate’s decision had regrettably dashed the hopes of many well-meaning Nigerians.
Bassey also urged the electorate to prevail on their legislators in the Senate to revisit the matter and vote for Local Governments’ autonomy in Nigeria.
“I express regret over the outcome of the vote by the Senate on  Local Government autonomy .
 “Against the wishes of majority of Nigerians, the Senate did not have the required number to support amendment towards autonomy of Local Governments unlike the House.
“Without the abolition of the joint accounts, Local Governments will continue to be mere state extension offices, without real authority to bring about the desired change.
“All over the world, it is at the local government level that community development takes place.
“This act of the Senate amounts to a lost opportunity to stand with the people.
“we are aware that ordinary Nigerian constituents rarely have real influence on their legislators, and legislators hardly feel obliged towards those they supposedly represent.
“Nevertheless we urge constituents to call their legislators in the Senate to bring up the matter again for voting.
“We hope that through the process of harmonising the reports between the two chambers it shall emerge clearly that the National Assembly works for and not against the interest of a majority of Nigerians.
“We thank the House for its inspiring representation,’’ the clergyman said.