Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent enactment of the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024 has sparked significant criticism from various sectors. The law, signed on Tuesday, was justified by Soludo as a necessary measure to prevent what he described as potential “humongous chaos” stemming from granting total autonomy to local government areas.
During a press briefing in Awka, Soludo emphasized that the legal framework was aligned with the Supreme Court’s stance, asserting that the court’s judgment does not invalidate Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which he believes empowers state governments to regulate local governance.
The Anambra State House of Assembly had passed the legislation just a week prior, intending to bolster transparency and collaboration between different levels of government, according to Soludo.
However, the law has raised alarm among civil society groups and opposition factions, who see it as an attempt to manipulate local government chairpersons into transferring federal allocations back to the state government. Chief Damian Ugoh of the Labour Party expressed concerns that the bill contradicts the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding local government autonomy.
Dr. Ralph Uche, Executive Director of a civil rights organization, condemned the law as “anti-people,” criticizing it for potentially denying local councils critical funds needed for grassroots development. He argued that it is detrimental to the financial independence of local governments.
In response to ongoing criticisms, Soludo defended the legislation, labeling it as crucial for upholding the Supreme Court’s judgment rather than undermining it. He stated, “The debate around the role of local governments in our federal structure is ongoing, but the constitutional provisions must be adhered to.”
Soludo outlined that the legislation is designed to foster collaboration and prevent financial mismanagement among local governments, ensuring they can meet their obligations to workers and essential services. He stressed that without cooperative governance, many local governments might face financial crises necessitating state bailouts.
The governor rebutted rumors suggesting that local government chairpersons were coerced into relinquishing funds to the state, asserting that such practices do not reflect the integrity of his administration.
As Anambra navigates these contentious reforms, the implications for local governance and community welfare will likely remain at the forefront of public discourse.
