By Jude Atupulazi
The member representing Awka South 1 State constituency, Hon. Nigeria Henry Mbachu has asked the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Soludo, to withdraw an executive Bill he sent to the Anambra State House of Assembly for passage to avoid soiling his reputation.
Expressing concerns about the bill which requires newly elected local government chairmen to contribute a portion of their funds to a consolidated account, Hon. Mbachu highlighted what he described as the potential negative impacts, noting that it would restrict local governments from managing their allocations from the Federal Government.
Further noting that the bill could compromise Governor Soludo’s integrity and have adverse effects on the democratic environment in Anambra State, Hon. Mbachu called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to monitor governors who were undermining progress in Local Government Elections by compelling elected chairmen to divert funds to the state government
Hon. Mbachu’s concerns are rooted in the landmark Supreme Court Judgment granting financial autonomy to Local Governments. This executive bill seems to counter that progress, and potentially rubbish the achievement of compulsory local government elections, he argued.
Hon. Mbachu’s public disagreement and refusal to support the bill, it was gathered, demonstrate his commitment to core democratic values.
