— Describes Him As Best Governor In Nigeria
Chidiebele Obika | I-Witness News
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) federal lawmakers have passed a vote of confidence in the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Soludo Soludo and commended him for his commitment to the financial and administrative autonomy of Local Government Councils in the state.
The lawmakers gave the commendation last weekend while reacting to the LP caucus press release on Anambra state local government administration bill, 2024 before the state assembly and described it as the necessary legal framework needed for a collaborative and robust administration of the local councils.
Speaking on behalf of APGA national assembly members, Rt. Hon. Dr Paschal Agbodike, quoted section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as unequivocally empowering states to establish, structure, finance, and regulate local government councils.
APGA caucus described as misleading the claims by Labour Party lawmakers that Governor Soludo was making moves to strip the 21 Local Government Areas in Anambra State of their autonomy.
The communiqué read in part, ” “Contrary to Labour Party lawmakers’ claims, the proposed law does not contradict the Supreme Court judgment on local council financial and administrative autonomy.”
” The proposed Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024, has been “misinterpreted as an attempt to undermine local government autonomy. Governor Soludo remains committed to ensuring good governance and accountability. He is dedicated to enhancing local government autonomy and fostering development and prosperity for all Anambra citizens.
“The Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, 2024, aims to enhance collaborative development efforts between the state and local governments.
“It will ensure joint initiatives, including provisions for the payment of gratuities, pensions, and salaries for primary school teachers.
“It aims to provide counterpart funding for Universal Basic Education projects and establish necessary oversight from the State House of Assembly to ensure accountability and proper governance,” the communiqué further read.
The former deputy speaker, State House of Assembly and House of Representatives Member, Ihiala Federal Constituency, Agbodike called on the LP National Assembly caucus to “cease their cheap political theatrics and recognise the importance of collaborative governance for Anambra State’s progress.”
Last week, the LP National Assembly lawmakers accused Soludo of a ploy to enact the State and Local Government Joint Account Law, describing it as a circumvention of the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the third tier of government.
