TUC President Festus Osifo and NLC President Joe Ajaero
- Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo signs Local Government Administration Law 2024, sparking controversy.
- Law rejects absolute autonomy for local governments, citing potential for “humongous chaos” and undermining sustainable development.
- Soludo argues Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution empowers state governments to enact laws for local government administration.
- Opposition groups, including Labour Party and civil society organizations, criticize law as undermining local government autonomy.
Anambra Governor Signs Controversial Local Government Law
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has signed the Local Government Administration Law 2024, amid criticism from opposition groups. The law rejects absolute autonomy for local governments, citing concerns over potential chaos and unsustainable development.
Governor Soludo defended the law, emphasizing the need for structured collaboration and accountability among tiers of government. He argued that the law protects local governments from financial collapse and ensures effective resource management.
However, opposition groups contend that the law contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy. They allege that the law enables state control over federal allocations, undermining grassroots development.
This development highlights the ongoing debate on local government autonomy and the role of state governments in Nigeria’s federal system. The controversy surrounding the law raises important questions about the balance of power and resource allocation in the country.
