Barrister Chijioke Edeoga, the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State during the 2023 general election, has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to expedite constitutional reforms aimed at scrapping State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).
This call comes on the heels of the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local government areas.
In a statement provided to DAILY POST on Monday, Edeoga emphasized the need for urgent action to ensure credible elections at the local government level.
He urged the Attorney General to initiate an Executive Bill to remove Section 197 1(b) of the Constitution, which established the state Independent Electoral Commissions, and transfer their responsibilities to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He highlighted the significant role local government administration plays in national development, comparing it to the impact of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) on economic growth.
Edeoga stressed that granting full financial and administrative autonomy to local governments would not only boost employment but also spur grassroots development.
Drawing from his experience as a former Local Government Chairman, Edeoga underscored the potential of empowered councils to significantly improve economic well-being, infrastructure, healthcare, and education at the grassroots level.
He expressed optimism that the Supreme Court judgment would trigger unprecedented rural development in Nigeria.
However, Edeoga cautioned that the Supreme Court ruling is just one step towards the full liberation of local councils.
He called on the Attorney General to ensure that the intent of the judgment—transparency and accountability in the use of local government resources—is not undermined by state governors who might still influence the election of council chairmen.
Edeoga urged the National Assembly to isolate and fast-track amendments to the 1999 Constitution, delisting state electoral commissions and vesting INEC with the authority to conduct local government elections.
He emphasized the urgency of this reform, given that many states currently run local governments under undemocratic caretaker arrangements.
LG Autonomy: Former Enugu LP Gubernatorial Candidate Edeoga Urges Immediate Abolition of SIECs
