The Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo has hurriedly introduced new bill opposition Supreme court edict on local government financial autonomy. However, the new bill seeks LG chairmen to pay in significant part of their statutory allocation into a joint account managed by the state.
By this development, Hon Henry Mbachu who's Awka South 1 constituency rep in labour party cautioned Gov Soludo to withdraw the unfair bill which he has already introduced to state House of Assembly.
Hon Mbachu opined that this bill will give the state access to local government fund, thereby compromise their monetary autonomy.
Gov Soludo replied in defense and argued that the bill does not challenge Supreme Court's verdict in respect of local government independence, Soludo however, challenged oppositions to seek legal recourse.
Recall that on Tuesday, Secretary to the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Emma Madu said that the bill titled "The Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024" was introduced.
Throwback Times obtained copy of the bill which reveals that Section 13 (1) mandates the establishment of a "State Joint Local Government Account", into which all federal allocations to LGAs must be deposited.
Then section 14 (3) behest each LGA to pay a state determined percentage of their statutory allocation into the state-LGAs joint account within two working days of receipt, even if those allocations are transmitted from Federal Account.
Section 14 (4) also says that if the state receives allocation on LGAs behalf, it must deduct the designated percentage before transferring the remaining funds to the LGA.
Hon Mbachu citing the dangers challenging the LGAs financial autonomy, has called the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and stop Governors from diverting LGAs statutory allocations.
In this sequel, all the members of the Labour Party in the Anambra State House of Assembly have also distanced themselves from Governor Soludo's bill.
In defense, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor asserted that the House of Assembly acted based on it's legal authority.
"Is it the Supreme Court that should confer power or the constitution ? Does the supreme court make laws?" Mefor argued that Supreme court verdict only serves as an interpretation of the constitution, which does not supersede it.
Dr. Mefor furthermore cited Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution permits State Houses of Assembly to enact laws presiding the administration and financial affairs of LGAs. He however, stressed that the bill fall in line with Assembly's constitutional mandate, he implored opponents to challenge it in court.
Political analyst x-rayed this bill matter and opined that should Governor Soludo succeed, other state government will definitely thread same path which will undermine local government autonomy while superficial abiding to the Supreme Court edict.
Credit: Throwback Times
