Chinedum Treasure
Member representing Awka south 1 state constituency, Hon. Nigeria Henry Mbachu has asked Anambra state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to withdraw an executive Bill he sent to state House of Assembly for passage.
Mbachu expressed concerns over the bill which requires newly “Selected” Local Government chairmen to contribute a portion of their funds to a consolidated account, highlighted the potential negative impacts.
“This directive would restrict local governments from managing their allocations from the Federal government,” he said.
Acknowledging the bill’s tendency of compromising Soludo’s integrity and have adverse effects on the democratic environment in the State, the lawmaker called on President Bola Tinubu to monitor governors undermining progress in local government elections by compelling elected chairmen to divert funds to the state government.
Mbachu’s concerns are rooted in the landmark Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments. This executive bill seems to counter that progress, and potentially rubbishing the achievement of compulsory local government elections
His public disagreement and refusal to support the bill demonstrate his commitment to core democratic values. It’s imperative for Governor Soludo to consider Mbachu’s plea and the potential consequences of this bill on democracy and future governance in the State.
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