By Ovat Abeng
The member representing Awka South 1 State Constituency, Hon. Henry Mbachu, has urged the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, to withdraw an executive bill he submitted to the Anambra State House of Assembly to share in local government council funds for passage.
He expressed concerns about the bill, which requires newly “selected” local government chairmen to contribute a portion of their funds to a consolidated account of the state.
Hon. Mbachu highlighted its potential negative impacts on the Affairs of the local government council administration.
According to him, this directive would restrict local governments from managing their allocations from the federal government.
Read Also: Community mourns as gunmen kill five in Anambra
Hon. Mbachu said that the bill could compromise Governor Soludo’s integrity and adversely affect the democratic environment in Anambra State.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to monitor governors who undermine progress in local government elections by compelling elected chairmen to divert funds to the state government.
He said his concerns are rooted in the landmark Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments. According to Mbachu, the executive bill appeared to counter that progress and could undermine the achievement of compulsory local government elections.
He said his public disagreement and refusal to support the bill demonstrate his commitment to core democratic values.
“It is imperative for Governor Soludo to consider Hon. Mbachu’s plea and the potential consequences of this bill on democracy and future governance in Anambra State,” he said.