The prominent Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed its strong disapproval of the ongoing suppression of local government councils’ autonomy across Nigeria.
This condemnation follows alarming reports indicating that several governors have conspired to undermine the resources intended for the development and empowerment of grassroots communities.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, labeled the governors’ actions as a “direct assault on the dignity and rights of the Nigerian populace.” He highlighted the tragic irony that these leaders, meant to safeguard collective governance, are instead using their positions to oppress, effectively undermining the financial independence and operational integrity of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The organization pointed out that the Supreme Court had recently granted comprehensive administrative and financial autonomy to local councils, yet some governors are blatantly disregarding this ruling.
“This behavior mocks the foundational principles of our democratic system, which relies on the collaborative function of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches,” Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserted.
They emphasized that silence in the face of this significant injustice, stemming from the manipulation of local government systems, is unacceptable. The imposition of puppet chairmen, control through state-run electoral commissions, and the troubling trend of legislation designed to bypass Supreme Court rulings are all viewed as serious threats that demand a robust response.
The organization cited the recent actions by the Anambra State House of Assembly, which culminated in the passage of the “ANAMBRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION LAW 2024,” as a prime example of this legislative overreach. This law is perceived not as a means to empower local governance, but rather as a mechanism for coercion that forces Local Governments to funnel Federal allocations into state-controlled accounts.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed particular concern that such a law could emerge from a Southeast governor, specifically targeting Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
“We urge him to promptly withdraw this unacceptable and illegal bill, which poses a direct threat to the autonomy and functionality of our local governments. We strongly warn that signing this bill into law could severely jeopardize his chances for re-election in the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial elections in Anambra State,” Mazi Isiguzoro warned.
He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take firm action by withholding local government allocations from any state that continues to engage in these unlawful practices, starting from October 2024.
