Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet) has called on Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State to urgently put together a stakeholders’ committee to discuss strategies for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.
The group which is a platform for citizens’ advocacy and good governance with Prince Chris Azor as its President said that the committee when constituted would ensure a smooth transition to financial autonomy for local government administration in the state.
ACSONet said the move would facilitate dialogue between the local, 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, “he said.
He implored the Governor to emulate his fellow Governors of Oyo, Katsina, Zamfara, Taraba and Plateau states, who he said had already set up such stakeholders’ committees for similar purpose, with a view to facilitating dialogue, address concerns and reach consensus towards grassroots development.
The group suggested that the committee should consist of relevant state and local government officials, ALGON, labour unions, civil society, traditional institutions, community leaders, elders, Organized Private Sector, among other stakeholders.
Comrade Azor was of the conviction that by promptly setting up the committee, that Governor Soludo would be demonstrating 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.
He reminded the Governor of his commitment to conducting local government elections in the state, and his recent reassurance following the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, while interacting with State House Correspondents.
We expect prompt action on this matter, “he concluded.
