A former chairman of Ohafia local government area of Abia State, Dr. Emeka I.U Kalu has said the ongoing process to amend the 1999 Constitution must pay due attention to the autonomy of the local government, describing governors as emperors and usurpers over the third tier of government.
Speaking with ABN TV on Thursday shortly after his presentation in Owerri at the just concluded constitution review public hearing, South East zone, the former council boss noted that if relevant sections of the constitution are amended and the local government recognised as truly the third tier of government, the people at grassroot will be better for it.
He insisted that if the local government chairmen receive their allocation from the federal government, it will enable them to minister to the needs of the people without necessarily depending on handouts from state governors.
“If this amendment is done, the allocation will be going to the chairman directly and he will use it to work for the people, generate employment for them, bring democratic dividends to the people’s doorstep.
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“But the present situation where the governor will hijack the allocation at the state capital makes them look like emperors and that is what we don’t want” he stated.
Citing his days as Ohafia local government chairman, Dr. Kalu said the then administration of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as governor gave them a free hand to operate without interference.
According to the APC chieftain, there was a lot of youth restiveness before he came on board, adding that the support of the governor then helped him and his colleagues in other local governments to employ people, which according to him helped in restoring calm and making the state peaceful.
He therefore underlines that autonomy for local governments will help them award contracts and embark on infrastructural development of their domains which will further reduce the pressure at the state government.
He expressed optimism that the ninth National Assembly will not abandon autonomy for local government, adding that it will help in enhancing security since they are closer to the people.
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