Chinedu Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, a prominent APC chieftain from Dunukofia Local Government in Anambra State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what he describes as Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s attempt to undermine the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government (LG) autonomy. Klinsmann expressed concerns about Soludo’s recent signing of the *Anambra Local Government Administration Law 2024*, which he and other critics argue directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s July 2024 judgment affirming full financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
In a press statement, Klinsmann cautioned that Soludo’s actions, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other state governors to disregard the Supreme Court’s decision, which ensures that LGs receive their funds directly from the federal government without interference. “If Soludo’s scheme succeeds, we will be back to square one,” Klinsmann warned, emphasizing that local governments would once again fall under the control of state governors.
He called on Nigerians to resist any governor’s attempts to undermine LG autonomy, declaring that the independence of local governments is crucial for grassroots development and should be defended even at the cost of public protests. Klinsmann emphasized that the Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, is final and binding, making any attempt to reintroduce state control over LG funds illegal.
Klinsmann also criticized the appointment of caretaker committees by state governors, which the Court ruled as unconstitutional, reaffirming that local governments must be led by democratically elected officials. He further urged anti-corruption agencies to monitor LG finances and ensure accountability, dismissing the common argument that state oversight is necessary to prevent corruption at the local level.
He concluded by urging President Tinubu to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling across all 36 states, including Anambra, and warned that any state governor attempting to circumvent LG autonomy is an enemy of the people.
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