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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia State has urged the state’s Speaker to reject a proposed Local Government bill that allegedly aims to divert council funds to the state government.
In a letter to the Speaker, dated October 25, 2024 (ref: NLC/ABSC/AHA/VOL.11/001), NLC leaders Ogbonnaya Okoro and Emma Alozie argued that the bill seeks to allocate 90% of Local Government funds to the state, leaving only 10% for local administration.
The NLC criticized the bill as “an alarming infringement on the autonomy of Local Governments,” calling it a disregard of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling that granted financial independence to Local Governments across Nigeria.
“We urge you and the entire House to reject the bill from further consideration. The bill, if passed, will adversely impact Local Government’s right to its freedom, and development of the rural areas, while violating the principles underpinning the Supreme Court Judgment,” the letter partly read.
The NLC described the Speaker as “a vibrant young man that has a long future in Nigeria politics,” cautioning him against yielding to any influence from the Governor.
The letter emphasized the potential legal consequences of violating the Supreme Court judgment, which include possible jail terms.
“May we therefore appeal that you do not let the Governor mislead you. He has immunity which you do not have. The judgment prescribes jail terms for whosoever that will circumvent the judgment. The choice is yours.
“Accordinaly, we strongly urge you, in the interest of moral decency and in keeping vith your oath of office, to choose the path of transparency rather than corruption, irrespective of monetary inducement,” the NLC said.
In a direct plea, the NLC called on the Speaker to stand for transparency over corruption and reject the “anti-people and anti-development bill” in full, urging a public declaration from the House in support of the Supreme Court’s autonomy ruling.
The NLC also warned that state workers would strongly oppose the bill’s passage.
“Should the House continue with the process of considering the bill, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees cannot guarantee you industrial peace in the Local Governments and should therefore not be held responsible for any breakdown of industrial peace in that sector.
“We have instructed Labour Leaders in the LGAs to begin immediate mobilization and sensitization of our members across the 17 Local Government areas, if the House proceeds with consideration of the bill,” Labour said.
The organization urged the House to prioritize policies that benefit workers’ welfare and rural development over any legislation that may harm the wellbeing of the state’s residents.
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