Stakeholders in the judicial, executive and legislative arms of government, among others are to brainstorm on the autonomy of local governments in the country at a national public discourse.

The dialogue put together by the Public Affairs Directorate of CMC Connect Limited (Perception Managers) in conjunction with O 'Ken Ventures, with the theme: "Government Authority: How Autonomous" is slated for February 26, 2013 at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Conference Centre, Abuja and it is to be chaired by Senator Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate.

Speaking at a press conference heralding the event, in Lagos, Managing Director, O' ken Ventures Mr. Gbenga Ojo said that the discourse became imperative given the continued controversy over the way and manner the autonomy of the local governments in the country is being interpreted.

"Since its reform in 1985, the roles of the Local Government have come to include bringing governance closer to the people, engendering administrative convenience, ensuring effective mobilisation of resources, creating avenues for preservation of cultural heritage and common interest, and the maintenance of law and order.

However, these responsibilities have been constantly underplayed due to several issues including the alleged overbearing influence of operators in the control of human and material resources available to the local government authorities."

Group Head Public Affairs Directorate, Mr. Adetola Odusote said that the discourse will afford Nigerians the opportunity to aggregate their views, the outcome of which will be developed into a communiqué that can become a reference document for immediate or future constitutional reforms.