Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged that the National Assembly will revise existing laws that have hindered effective administration of Local Government Areas, ensuring the third tier of government gains full autonomy......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Akpabio highlighted the State and Local Government Joint Accounts Committee and the State Independent Electoral Commission laws as key areas where legislative amendments would be made to facilitate full autonomy for Local Governments.
He made this commitment at Independence High School, Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, shortly after participating in local government elections in Akwa Ibom State.
A statement issued by the Senate President’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as urging citizens to vote, regardless of the election outcome.
“For me, I strongly believe in Local Government autonomy, and the Supreme Court has recently ruled that Local Government funds should be sent directly to them. However, legislative adjustments are needed to bring this into full effect due to certain constitutional provisions,” Akpabio said.
He specifically mentioned the Joint Local Government Account Committee and the State Independent Electoral Commission laws as areas requiring reform. “My presence here today is to participate in the Local Government elections and observe how the State Government conducts them,” he explained.
Akpabio expressed skepticism over the recurring trend where the ruling party in states often wins all positions in Local Government elections, saying, “With the overwhelming support I enjoy in my Senatorial District and Local Government, how do people always manage to score 100 percent? If elections were truly free and fair, parties would choose candidates based on competence, not party affiliation.”
