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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgement granting financial autonomy to local government councils in Nigeria.
In an interview with State House Correspondents, Soludo stated that while he respects the Supreme Court as the final authority, he believes local government autonomy resources should work for the people.
He said: “The Supreme Court is supreme, and once they have spoken, they have spoken. I understand the Governors’ Forum is meeting tonight to review this judgement. I haven’t seen the document myself, but I believe we need resources to reach the grassroots and promote accountability in the utilization of public resources at all levels,” Soludo said.
Asked about the President Bola Tinubu’s statement that only elected local government chairmen will access resources, Soludo acknowledged that Anambra State has not had local government elections in a while. “I promised the people of Anambra that we would have local government elections in my inaugural speech. We’ve just passed the Independent Electoral Commission law of Anambra State and are putting together the institutions to organize that,” he said, adding that there has been lingering litigation that stopped local government elections in the past.
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He reiterated his commitment to having a democratic system at the local government level. “I’m a believer in having a democratic system. I made a firm commitment to that, and I don’t say what I will not do,” the governor said.
Soludo added that Anambra has ensured local government resources reach the grassroots, supporting teachers, pensioners, and primary health workers.
