Anambra: Rejection of LG autonomy could spark national anarchy – Onjeh warns Soludo

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the party’s 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Daniel Onjeh, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively against what he described as Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s blatant violation of the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

Onjeh’s statement comes in response to Soludo’s recent enactment of the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024, which he claims seeks to undermine the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision that granted full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs).

Recall that Soludo had warned that granting full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas could lead to “humongous chaos” after signing the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law.

However, Onjeh, in a statement on Monday, said Soludo’s argument that full LG autonomy could create “humongous chaos” is not only baseless but an affront to the judgment of Nigeria’s highest court.

According to him, “In fact, what will truly hinder development at the grassroots is any measure that allows state control over LG funds,” he continued. “With LG autonomy, funds flow directly to the councils, cutting the chains of bureaucracy that have for too long stunted local progress. This is the path to real, sustainable development that our communities need.”

“Any attempt to undermine a Supreme Court ruling is an open invitation to anarchy,” Onjeh stated. “Regardless of personal views, every Nigerian—governor or citizen—is bound to respect and uphold the Supreme Court’s authority.

“The Court’s decision on local government autonomy is final and must be implemented without obstruction. It is about preserving the rule of law that holds our nation together.”

Onjeh further called on the National Assembly to prioritize amendments to the Constitution that would institutionalize the Supreme Court’s interpretation of LGA autonomy, making it invulnerable to state interference.

“Our lawmakers must rise to this occasion and secure the legal framework necessary to protect the financial and political autonomy of local governments across the country,” he urged.

He added that it is essential for all state governors and state houses of assembly to mobilize support for the National Assembly so they can amend the Constitution seamlessly to accommodate the full intent and purpose of the Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy.

“We don’t need to struggle over this matter. The rising spate of insecurity has deepened the food crisis in Nigeria, posing a serious challenge to a population that is growing exponentially, like ours,” Onjeh stated.

The APC chieftain further urged President Tinubu to issue a clear directive ensuring full adherence to the Supreme Court ruling in all states, emphasizing that “President Tinubu must stand resolute, preventing any governor from manipulating the Supreme Court’s decision for personal or political gain.

“LG autonomy will certainly enable democracy to flourish in Nigeria because it will raise the level of political consciousness of the citizens at the grassroots, promoting the growth and consolidation of democracy in the country. Participatory democracy starts at the grassroots.”

Onjeh urged the federal government to develop a clear blueprint towards implementing the Supreme Court decision.

“Governors should not go behind closed doors to attempt to negotiate with the President on how the Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy should be applied. The Attorney General of the Federation should act expeditiously on the matter and develop a blueprint for the implementation of the judgment,” he stated.

“Local government autonomy is not just a policy shift; it is a pathway to meaningful democracy, effective governance, and genuine service to the people. Let us embrace this chance to build a better Nigeria, starting from the grassroots.”