In a notable development for local governance in Nigeria, the 7th Abia Assembly Led by Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, FNSE, FNICE, has been recognized as one of the pioneering legislative bodies to ratify the constitutional amendment concerning local government autonomy.

Speaking to Newsmen in the nation’s capital Abuja, Engr. Orji highlighted that Abia was the second state assembly in the entire federation to endorse the crucial section of the constitutional amendment aimed at granting greater autonomy to local governments. This early ratification underscores my commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and promoting democratic principles.

“We were always at the forefront of advocating for local government autonomy,” Orji stated. “Our swift ratification of the constitutional amendment demonstrates our dedication to empowering local governments, ensuring they have the necessary independence to effectively serve their communities.”

The constitutional amendment in question seeks to provide local governments with the autonomy to manage their financial resources and conduct local elections without undue interference from state governments. This change is seen as a vital step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local administration.

Orji, who served as Speaker from 2019 to 2023, emphasized the importance of local government autonomy in fostering development and improving service delivery at the grassroots level. He noted that granting autonomy to local governments would enable them to address the unique needs of their communities more effectively.

“The autonomy of local governments is essential for the socio-economic development of our rural areas,” he continued. “It allows for more responsive governance, tailored to the specific needs of local populations. Abia’s proactive stance on this issue sets a positive example for other states to follow.”

The former Speaker also called on other state assemblies to prioritize the ratification of the constitutional amendment, stressing that widespread adoption is crucial for the overall success of local government autonomy in Nigeria. He urged for collaborative efforts across all levels of government to ensure the effective implementation of the new provisions.

As the nation progresses towards a more decentralized governance structure, the actions of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly served as a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of local government autonomy. The early ratification by the 7th Abia Assembly underscores the state’s leadership in promoting democratic values and enhancing the capacity of local governments to deliver essential services to their citizens.
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