By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), a foremost platform for citizens’ advocacy and good governance has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently put together a Stakeholders’ Committee to discuss strategies for the implementation of Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.
Leader of the group, Prince Chris Azor, in a statement on Sunday also called on the Governor to take crucial step towards decentralizing power and promoting grassroots development.
He said, “This Committee, when constituted would ensure a smooth transition to financial autonomy for local government administration in the State, and facilitate dialogue between local the governments, State governments, and other stakeholders.
“We urge Mr Governor to take this crucial step towards decentralizing power and promoting grassroots development. The people of Anambra State deserve nothing less.
“We implore the governor to emulate his fellow governors of Oyo, Katsina, Zamfara, Taraba and Plateau States, who have already set up such Stakeholders’ Committees for similar purpose, with a view to facilitate dialogue, address concerns and reach consensus towards grassroots development.
“The Committee shall consist of relevant State and Local Government Officials, Labour Unions, Civil Society, traditional institutions, Community leaders, Elders, Organized Private Sector among other Stakeholders.”
Comrade Azor was of the firm conviction that by promptly setting up the Committee, Governor Soludo would demonstrate his avowed commitment to the rule of law, decentralizing power, promoting good democratic governance, and enhancing the well-being of the people of Anambra State.
The Governor was reminded of his commitment to conducting local government elections in the State, and recent reassurance following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, while interacting with State House correspondents.
The statement reads further, “We urge Governor Soludo to emulate his fellow governors to establish a similar Committee in Anambra State, to ensure a seamless transition to financial autonomy for our local governments. This Committee would facilitate dialogue, address concerns, and arrive at consensus to promote grassroots development”
“By setting up this Committee, Governor Soludo would demonstrate his commitment to decentralizing power, promoting democratic governance, and enhancing the well-being of the people of Anambra State.
“We expect prompt action on this matter.” he concluded.
