The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the National Assembly has accused Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of attempting to bypass the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy through a controversial bill.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, LP Senator Tony Nwoye from Anambra expressed concern over the governor’s push for a State and Local Government Joint Account law, claiming it is designed to circumvent the landmark judgment that grants financial independence to local governments.
Nwoye called on the Speaker and members of the Anambra House of Assembly to reject the “obnoxious” bill, stressing the need to protect the autonomy of local governments for future generations.
Other federal lawmakers echoed his sentiments, particularly criticizing provisions in the proposed ‘Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024,’ including clauses establishing the controversial ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ and the Local Government Security Trust Account.
The lawmakers argued that the provisions contradict the Supreme Court’s judgment and undermine the financial independence of local governments.
They also raised concerns about the security situation in Anambra and questioned a proposed 20% deduction from local government allocations in the bill.