By Mercy Aikoye
Anambra State Government has been urged to adhere to a Supreme Court judgment regarding the autonomy of Local Government Councils. The judgment emphasizes that laws governing Local Government Councils must not undermine their democratic nature.
According to the judgment, the composition of the Local Government Council’s security committee should include: the governor’s security adviser as chairman, the commissioner in charge of security, three mayors appointed by the governor from each senatorial district, and the local government’s accountant general.
The Supreme Court, in its judgment, stressed that laws made by state governments must ensure the existence of Local Government Councils as stipulated in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Agim noted that provisions undermining the democratic nature of Local Government Councils or rendering them appendages of the state government are unconstitutional.
Justice Moore ASEIMO Adumein emphasized the need to stop states from controlling Local Government Council allocations from the Federation Account, likening it to a “chokehold” that could lead to their extinction.
He further urged states to cease treating Local Government Areas as their “colonies.”
The call to action is directed at Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Anambra State House of Assembly to prioritize the overall interests of citizens when making laws, ensuring that the autonomy of Local Government Councils is respected.
