A brewing crisis in Anambra State has emerged following a bill introduced by the state government to control a portion of the federation allocation meant for local governments. Amidst this controversy, eight members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, primarily from the Labour Party, have distanced themselves from the bill, citing a violation of a Supreme Court judgement.
The bill, passed on October 8, 2024, mandates the establishment of a “State Joint Local Government Account” and requires each local government to remit a state-determined percentage of their allocations. The bill also empowers the state to deduct the designated percentage before transferring the remaining funds to the local government.
However, the dissenting members of the assembly argue that the bill contradicts the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy. They stand firmly with the Anambra people in upholding the constitution and the Supreme Court decision. Governor Charles Soludo defends the bill, asserting that it aligns with the Assembly’s constitutional mandate despite the disagreement. The situation remains contentious, with legal ramifications.