Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has caused a heated debate following the enactment of the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024, which critics claim threatens the independence of local governments.
In defense of the legislation, Soludo insisted that granting complete autonomy to the 774 local government areas would result in “immense chaos” and impede sustainable progress within the state.
During a press conference held prior to signing the law on Tuesday, Soludo argued that the Supreme Court ruling did not invalidate Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants state governments the authority to create laws governing local administration.
He asserted that the new legislation is designed to promote consistency, transparency, and cooperation among different levels of government.
Nevertheless, opposition factions and civil society groups have denounced the law, perceiving it as a strategy for the governor to exert control over local government finances.
Chief Damian Ugoh of the Labour Party remarked, “The signing of the local government law contradicts the Supreme Court ruling… This bill aims to coerce chairmen into redirecting their local government allocations back to the state.”
Similarly, Dr. Ralph Uche from the Civil Rights and Liberty Organization characterized the law as “anti-people,” claiming it is intended to deprive local governments of essential funding for community development.
In response to the backlash, Governor Soludo stated, “The conversation regarding local government autonomy is still evolving… The new laws support the Supreme Court ruling rather than undermine it. No level of government possesses absolute autonomy; effective collaboration is vital for sustainable growth.”
He refuted claims that governors are pressuring local government chairmen to sign confidential agreements to transfer funds to the state, saying, “Governors are frequently accused of wanting to ‘control’ local government finances… I often wonder: control for what purpose?”
The controversy surrounding the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024 underscores the ongoing discourse regarding local government autonomy and the distribution of power between state and local authorities in Nigeria.
