The Anambra State Government has insisted that it is not bypassing the Supreme Court judgment that granted autonomy to local governments in the country.
According to the state government, the Anambra Local Government Administration Law, enacted after the apex court verdict, was not a step to circumvent the LG autonomy.
The government’s position came after the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, issued warning to state governors bypassing the Supreme Court judgment, with a threat to seek a contempt of court suit if the defiance continues.
After the Supreme Court’s verdict, Anambra State House of Assembly passed the Local Government Administration Bill 2024 on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Section 13(1) of the bill stipulates that the state shall maintain a “State Joint Local Government Account,” into which all federal allocations to LGAs must be deposited.
Section 14(3) further mandates that each LG must, within two working days of receiving their allocations from the Federation Account, remit a state-determined percentage to the consolidated account. This requirement applies even if the allocations are received directly from the Federation Account.
Also, Section 14(4) outlines that if the state receives the LGA allocation on their behalf, it must deduct the specified percentage before disbursing the remaining funds to the LGA.
However, the Commissioner for Information in the state, Law Mefor, stated that the law was not an act of bypassing the Supreme Court judgment.
According to Mefor, the Constitution empowers state assemblies to make laws for the administration of local government.
Mefor, in a telephone interview with Sunday PUNCH, said, “Anambra has not violated the Supreme Court judgment. In fact, the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law provided a legal framework to operationalise the Supreme Court judgment.
“The Anambra Local Government Administration Law is not an act of bypassing the Supreme Court judgment because we acted according to the provision of the constitution that empowers state assemblies to make laws for the administration of local government.
“That is our position and it is not in conflict with the provision of the constitution. It is for the smooth running of the local governments.”
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
