Akpabio: We’ll Amend Laws to Guarantee Full Autonomy for Local Governments

Senate President Akpabio has pledged to amend laws, ensuring local governments gain full autonomy and operate independently. This move aims to boost effective governance across Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has committed to the National Assembly revising existing laws that have impeded effective administration of Local Government Areas, with the goal of granting full autonomy to this third tier of government.

Akpabio emphasized that legislative amendments would target the laws governing the State and Local Government Joint Accounts Committee and the State Independent Electoral Commission to enable full autonomy for Local Governments.

He committed to this at Independence High School in Ukana, located within the Essien Udim Local Government Area, shortly after taking part in local government elections in Akwa Ibom State.

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According to a statement from Anietie Ekong, the Senate President’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Akpabio encouraged citizens to participate in voting regardless of the election results.

Akpabio stated, “I am a firm believer in the autonomy of Local Government. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that funds allocated to Local Governments should be sent directly to them. However, legislative changes are necessary due to certain constitutional provisions before this can be fully implemented.”

He highlighted the Joint Local Government Account Committee and the State Independent Electoral Commission laws as needing reform. “I’m here today to take part in the Local Government elections and see how they are run by the State Government,” he explained.

Akpabio voiced doubts about the common pattern where state ruling parties tend to win every position in Local Government elections. He remarked, “Considering the immense backing I have from my Senatorial District and Local Government, how is it possible for certain people to consistently achieve 100 percent victories? If elections were genuinely free and fair, candidates would be selected based on their competence rather than party ties.”