Labour Party lawmakers from Anambra State have raised concerns over Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s proposed bill, titled “Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024,” accusing him of attempting to undermine local government autonomy. The lawmakers, including Senator Tony Nwoye, George Ozodinobi, Afam Ogene, Idu Emeka, and Anekwe Peter, made these accusations during a press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.
The lawmakers expressed alarm over what they described as an effort by the Anambra State government to reverse the Supreme Court‘s recent decision granting financial autonomy to local governments. In its landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court declared that local governments must receive their funds directly from the Federation Account, effectively bypassing the control of state governments. The judgment was seen as a major victory for local government independence and a step towards ensuring better governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
The Labour Party representatives fear that Governor Soludo’s proposed law seeks to overturn this progress by reintroducing mechanisms that would once again subject local governments to state control. They argue that this would not only contravene the Supreme Court’s ruling but also undermine the principle of financial independence for local councils, which is essential for effective administration and development.
At the press conference, the lawmakers emphasized that the proposed bill poses a threat to the progress made in decentralizing power and empowering local governments to manage their own resources. They called on stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the public, to reject any attempts to erode the autonomy granted by the judiciary.
The accusations have sparked a fresh debate about the relationship between state and local governments in Nigeria, particularly regarding financial control and accountability. As the Anambra State government defends its legislative agenda, the clash between Governor Soludo’s administration and Labour Party lawmakers underscores the ongoing struggle over the balance of power between state and local authorities in the country.
I think the lawmakers are just trying to shift blame. Soludo is doing whats best for the state!
I think the lawmakers need to chill. Soludo is just trying to do his job. Autonomy doesnt mean you can do whatever you want.
I think the lawmakers are just power-hungry. Soludo knows whats best for Anambra. Lets trust his leadership!
I think Governor Soludo should focus on improving healthcare instead of getting involved in local government matters. Priorities, people!
I think the lawmakers are just trying to shift blame. Soludo is doing whats best for Anambra. Autonomy doesnt mean ignoring the bigger picture.
I think Governor Soludo should prioritize local government autonomy. Its crucial for democracy to thrive! #LetLocalGovernmentsThrive
Local governments should be independent! Soludo, listen to the people! #LocalGovernmentsDeserveAutonomy
I think the lawmakers have a point. Local government autonomy is crucial for true democracy. Soludo needs to listen up!
I think the lawmakers should focus on more important issues. Soludo is doing what he thinks is best for Anambra.
I think the lawmakers need to chill and give Soludo a chance. Maybe theres more to the situation than meets the eye.
I think Governor Soludo should prioritize local government autonomy. Its essential for true democracy to thrive. Lets hold leaders accountable!
I think its time we question if local government autonomy is really necessary. Maybe central control is more efficient?
Governor Soludo should prioritize local government autonomy for true democracy. Lets hold our leaders accountable! #LocalGovernmentMatters 🗳️
Local government autonomy wont solve all issues. Focus on broader reforms for real change. #GovernanceOverAutonomy 🌐
I think the lawmakers need to look at the bigger picture. Maybe Soludo has valid reasons for his actions.
I think the lawmakers need to chill. Soludo is just doing his job. Autonomy doesnt mean total independence!
I think the lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues in Anambra instead of squabbling over local government autonomy.
I think the lawmakers need to chill and give Soludo a chance. Autonomy is important, but so is cooperation.
Lawmakers have a duty to ensure accountability. Soludo must earn trust, not demand it.
I dont buy it! Soludo is just trying to streamline the system and cut down on corruption. These lawmakers need to chill.
Wow, these lawmakers need to chill. Soludo is just doing his job. Autonomy doesnt mean they can do whatever they want.
I think the lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues instead of squabbling over autonomy. What about healthcare or education?
I think the lawmakers are overreacting. Soludo is shaking things up for the better. Local governments need reform!
Disagree, Soludos actions are necessary. Local governments must be held accountable for true reform.
I think the lawmakers need to chill and give Soludo a chance to lead. Autonomy is important, but cooperation is key.
Governor Soludo should focus on fixing the states issues instead of meddling in local government affairs. Autonomy matters!
Governor Soludo knows whats best for the state. Autonomy doesnt mean neglecting issues.
I think the lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues rather than squabbling over autonomy. Soludo has bigger fish to fry!
I think its important for local governments to have autonomy, but maybe Governor Soludo has valid reasons for his actions.
Governors should respect local autonomy. Soludos reasons dont justify overstepping boundaries.
I think the lawmakers have a point. Soludo should respect local government autonomy. Power to the people!
I think the lawmakers are overreacting. Soludo may have valid reasons. Lets hear both sides before jumping to conclusions.
I think the lawmakers should focus on delivering results instead of just accusing. Lets see actions, not just words.