Adam Shareef: Pres Muizzu is the champion of decentralization

Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef has praised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, calling him the current champion of decentralization.

Shareef said this during the rally held in Meemu atoll Dhiggaru on Wednesday, where the President visited as part of his ongoing tour across the Maldives.

The minister further said there was no one more capable than the current head of state in bringing positive changes to the council authorities. He also noted that councils were never empowered during preceding governments, and promised the current administration will show exemplary conduct in bridging the gap between councils and central government.

"God willing, council authorities will be empowered at an extent that is unprecedented in the last five years, and if this is not achieved, then I will resign, I have that strength," the minister affirmed.

The minister assured he will be attend to council meetings to hear their concerns.

"... while we have met with 136 councils so far, majority of these councils acknowledge President Dr. Muizzu's role in establishing a designated ministry to empower councils. I am their minister. This means that even councilers aligned with MDP or other parties have accepted our ministry," Shareef added.

Shareef also assured the central government will not redirect the councils' income, but rather, it would empower these authorities and faciliate economic growth of them.

After his visit to Noonu atoll Kendhikulhudhoo, the island's council issued a press statement criticizing the president's visit was a campaign activity. In response, Local Government Authority (LGA) ordered the council to annul the statement.

LGA's decision has been met with wider criticism, with claims of the current administration attempting to restrain the authority of councils. Government on Wednesday said, it has extended legal advise to LGA notifying it does not have the authority to order an annulment of statements released by councils.

With a month elapsed since President Dr. Muizzu began his tour to visit and meet island councils, his team has met with 136 councils so far. During each of his visits, the president and his delegation met with the councils and public to hear their complaints.

The state, more recently launched efforts to extend jurisdiction of uninhabited islands to their closest island council, which is aimed at boosting local economies.