“Absolute Autonomy for Local Governments is a Recipe for Chaos” – Soludo Declares as He Signs Controversial Anambra LG Law

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has stirred controversy with the signing of a new Local Government Administration Law, declaring that absolute autonomy for local governments in Nigeria would lead to chaos. Soludo made the statement during the signing ceremony in Awka, where he firmly rejected calls for complete local government independence, arguing that it would be unmanageable under the current system.

“Absolute autonomy for local governments is a recipe for chaos,” Soludo remarked, explaining that the challenges facing local governments require structured oversight and coordination with state governments. According to him, the system would be plunged into disorder if local governments were left to operate without state legislative guidance.

The law, which has sparked significant debate, reinforces the role of the state government in overseeing local government finances and operations. Critics argue that it undermines the push for greater local government autonomy, a movement gaining momentum across Nigeria as local councils seek more control over their finances and administrative affairs. However, Soludo defended the legislation, pointing to Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates state legislatures to oversee local government functions.

“The Anambra State House of Assembly has risen to the occasion by passing this law, which is in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government administration,” Soludo said. He stressed that the absence of such laws would leave local governments without a legal framework for managing their finances, potentially leading to fiscal irresponsibility.

Soludo also addressed criticisms that governors seek to control local government funds. He dismissed such claims as misconceptions, stating that most state governments are working hard to ensure the financial viability of local governments. “While I cannot speak for every governor, I know many states are struggling to keep their local governments solvent,” he explained.

The governor warned that without state oversight, many local governments could face financial collapse, requiring bailouts from state authorities. He also pointed to the rising wage bills and pension obligations, which local governments may struggle to handle on their own without structured support.

The governor used the occasion to highlight some of his administration’s efforts to reform local government management in Anambra. He revealed that his government inherited four years’ worth of unpaid gratuities for retired local government and primary school staff, which has since been restructured for sustainability. Additionally, Soludo announced that his administration had cleared a three-year backlog of counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), leading to significant investments in primary schools across the state.

Soludo also touted ongoing efforts to modernize 326 primary health centers in the state and the recruitment of over 8,000 new teachers, with many assigned to primary schools.

Despite the controversy surrounding the new law, Soludo reiterated his belief that state and local governments must collaborate to ensure financial stability and effective governance. “Without coordination between the state and local governments, many local councils would end up in financial disarray,” he warned.