Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), has called for a more effective and empowered local government administration as a key pathway to achieving genuine national unity.

Speaking at the official launch of the *One Nigeria Project* organised by the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (NALGON Emeritus) at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Aondoakaa said unity must begin at the grassroots. He noted that national policies will have limited impact unless local communities are fully involved.

According to him, “Whatever the government does at the top to promote unity will not yield meaningful results if the people at the grassroots are not carried along. Real unity starts with the villages, the communities, and the local councils.”

Aondoakaa urged the Federal and State Governments to assign local governments a stronger role in tackling insecurity, stressing that they are closest to the people and best positioned to provide early intelligence and community-driven solutions. He added that granting local councils full operational independence would not only enhance security but also stimulate development across rural areas.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting governance models that strengthen local structures, bridge divides, and bring government closer to the people.