“Undermining Supreme Court Ruling on LG Autonomy is an Invitation to Anarchy” – Benue APC Chieftain Warns, Urges Tinubu to Call Soludo to Order

In a fervent appeal, APC chieftain and 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, Daniel Onjeh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s alleged defiance of a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants full autonomy to Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs).

Onjeh’s concerns follow Governor Soludo’s recent enactment of the Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024, which Onjeh claims directly challenges the Supreme Court’s July 2024 decision mandating financial independence for LGAs.

Governor Soludo previously argued that granting full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas would trigger “humongous chaos.” In response, Onjeh dismissed Soludo’s claim as baseless, labeling it an affront to the judiciary. “What will truly hinder development at the grassroots is any measure that allows state control over LGA funds,” Onjeh remarked, adding that direct funding to LGAs would enable faster, unencumbered growth within local communities.

Onjeh further warned that disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision is tantamount to inviting national instability. “Undermining a Supreme Court ruling is an open invitation to anarchy. Every Nigerian, regardless of position, must uphold the authority of the Supreme Court,” he declared.

He also urged the National Assembly to prioritize constitutional amendments that solidify the Supreme Court’s interpretation of LGA autonomy, making it legally immune to state interference. “Our lawmakers must rise to this occasion and create a legal framework that safeguards local government autonomy,” he emphasized.

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s security challenges and food crisis, Onjeh called for swift federal action. He encouraged President Tinubu to issue a directive enforcing full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, ensuring governors do not manipulate this decision for political leverage. “Participatory democracy begins at the grassroots, and full LGA autonomy is essential for democratic growth,” he stated.

Onjeh also recommended that the federal government establish a clear blueprint to implement the Supreme Court’s directive, urging the Attorney General to expedite the development of this plan.

“Local government autonomy is more than a policy change; it’s a transformative step toward effective governance and true democracy,” Onjeh concluded. “Let’s seize this opportunity to build a better Nigeria from the ground up.”