Orji Uzo Kalu, the senator representing the Abia North Senatorial District, in the National Assembly has applauded the Supreme Court’s ruling on local governments’ autonomy while pleading with the federal government to consider using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold local government elections across the nation.
This was said as he urged the federal government to permit local government elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission rather than the State Independent Electoral Commission. Justice Emmanuel Agim delivered the main judgement for the Supreme Court on Thursday, ordering the Federal Government to begin the immediate direct transfer of local government funding to their unique accounts in what has been termed a historic ruling.
Kalu who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on privatization, stated, “The Supreme Court judgement on the autonomy of local governments is one that should be hailed and applauded, especially for the courage and independence shown by the judiciary.
He continued by making an appeal to the Federal Government, “I will also appeal to the Federal Government to consider making a case for local government elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) instead of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). This will further strengthen the autonomy of the local governments and reduce the pressure on the state governments. When governance gets to the grassroots, it becomes easier to identify and hold the leaders responsible and accountable.”
