The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has voiced strong opposition to the concept of absolute autonomy for the 774 local government areas across Nigeria.
He described it as a pathway to “monstrous chaos.”
His remarks came shortly after he signed the Local Government Administration Law in Awka, the state capital, on Tuesday.
Governor Soludo emphasised that the complexities surrounding local government autonomy could exacerbate existing challenges, undermining the intended benefits for communities.
“Section 7 of the Constitution plays a pivotal role in establishing the legal framework for local government operations across the nation,” he stated.
He says, “The Anambra State House of Assembly has fulfilled its constitutional duty by enacting laws that align with Supreme Court rulings, ensuring operational clarity for local governance.”
He expressed concern that abandoning this duty would leave local governments without a legal framework to manage their finances, a power entrusted solely to state legislatures.
The governor pointed out that legislative authority under Section 7 mirrors powers granted to the National Assembly over the Federal Capital Territory and its councils.
“Our inherited local government system faced significant financial challenges, including four-year arrears for retired primary school teachers. We’ve restored financial sustainability and are committed to clearing these debts promptly,” he stated.
Significant Investment
Governor Soludo highlighted significant investments in education and healthcare, having recently addressed three years of counterpart funding arrears for the Universal Basic Education Commission, leading to billions being invested in primary schools.
He also mentioned ongoing construction and modernisation of 326 primary health centers across the state.
Reassuring progress, he noted that many local government secretariats have been remodeled and re-equipped, with thousands of new teachers hired. “We will not regress,” he asserted.
Acknowledging ongoing criticism regarding governors’ oversight of local government funds, Soludo says, “Control serves to ensure fiscal responsibility, not mismanagement. In an era of low public trust, skepticism abounds, but one must ask: control for what?”
He expressed that many states face difficulties maintaining solvent local government systems and warned of potential financial turmoil without effective coordination between state and local entities.
“This could lead to state bailouts or federal interventions in cases of insolvency among the 774 LGs.”
Legislative Reforms
Governor Soludo further stressed that the recent legislative reforms aim to empower local governments, foster collaboration, and improve accountability.
“These laws establish collaborative oversight among local councils, promoting innovative funding mechanisms that ensure community needs are prioritised effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, with these proactive measures, Soludo remains firm in his commitment to sustaining responsible and dynamic local governance in Anambra State.
Confidence Okwuchi
Comments are closed.