Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has sharply criticized Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo for allegedly bypassing a Supreme Court ruling on local government (LG) autonomy. Soludo recently sought legislation through the Anambra State House of Assembly to regulate LG funds, stating that full autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 LGs could lead to “chaos” and hinder development.
In response, Okechukwu, former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, accused Soludo of disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision affirming LG financial autonomy. He argued that any attempt to circumvent this landmark judgment is a “vanity train” constructed by “political bandits” within the governor’s circle of influence.
Okechukwu underscored the Supreme Court’s ruling, which deemed any state laws violating specific constitutional provisions on LG autonomy unconstitutional. He contended that advisors pushing Soludo toward policies undermining LG autonomy are engaging in “banditry,” exploiting power for undue advantage. He further warned that governors who fail to comply with the court’s directive may face consequences, whether through legal action or pressure from constituents.
