Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has emphasized that serving as a governor in Nigeria today is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding the management of local government funds.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Soludo sought to clarify the recently introduced State Economic Planning and Development Law 2024 and the Local Government Administration Law 2024.
Soludo acknowledged the pervasive allegations against governors concerning the control and mismanagement of local government funds.
“In a society where public office is seen as a dining table and public trust is low, people judge others by their own standards; by what they would do if they were in the position. I often ask: control for what?” he stated, expressing frustration over the assumptions that often accompany discussions about local governance.
The governor pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed local government autonomy as a significant opportunity for improved transparency, coordination, and collaboration between state and local governments.
He revealed that this judgment catalyzed the formulation of new laws aimed at ensuring proper appropriation and accountability of funds transferred to local governments.
“Neither the Constitution nor the Supreme Court judgment prescribes the manner of appropriation, expenditure, and audit/accountability for local government funds,” Soludo explained.
He clarified that the ruling did not eliminate the need for cooperation among local governments regarding shared services, nor did it nullify Section 7 of the Constitution.
Under the new laws, local government chairpersons will convene under the State Economic Planning Board, akin to the National Economic Council, to determine what percentage of their revenues will be allocated to a joint local government account for the funding of communal services.
This initiative aims to enhance cohesive planning, transparency, and sustainability in governance, thereby maximizing the security and welfare of the citizens.
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Furthermore, Soludo noted that the laws are designed to protect local government workers and maintain the integrity of primary education and health care services, preventing chaos and collapse at these essential levels.
He reiterated the importance of active collaboration between state and local governments, stating, “Given the functions assigned to the local governments by the Constitution, it is impossible to see how they can perform them without active collaboration with state governments. Without this collaboration, many local governments could find themselves in financial turmoil, necessitating bailouts from the state.”
