…26 Out of 30 Lawmakers across Parties Participate
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Anambra State House of Assembly, has passed the State Local Government Administration Bill, 2024.
The Bill was passed during Tuesday’s Plenary which was attended by 26 out of 30 Lawmakers, comprising Labour Party, PDP, APGA and YPP members, contrary to reports that Labour Party lawmakers distanced themselves from the passage of the Bill. This came despite protests against the passage of the Bill by both LP and APC.
According to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, the Bill seeks to clearly define the powers of the Chairmen and Councilors at the local government level as they relate to the Council Areas.
Rt. Hon. Udeze noted that some of the contents of the Law such as Primary School Teachers, Primary Healthcare, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Pension Board, among others, were areas where the State and Local Governments interfaced to ensure proper administration at the local government level.
Various lawmakers who spoke, emphasized that the Law would empower local governments to function effectively, adding that there was no way to expressly separate local government from the state as they had joint responsibilities.
