The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has raised serious concerns regarding the proposed Local Government bill, characterizing it as an attempt to siphon funds intended for local councils within the state.
According to The PUNCH, in a formal letter addressed to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, referenced as NLC/ABSC/AHA/VOL.11/001 and dated October 25, 2024, the state NLC chairman, Ogbonnaya Okoro, along with Secretary Emma Alozie, expressed their strong opposition to what they termed an “obnoxious bill.”
They highlighted a troubling provision that allocates 90% of Local Government allocations to the state government, leaving a meager 10% for the operational needs of the Local Government Areas.
The letter emphasized that the NLC views the bill as a significant threat to the autonomy of Local Government Authorities, an affront to the recent Supreme Court judgment from July 11, 2024, which granted financial autonomy to Local Governments across Nigeria.
The NLC described the proposed legislation as “anti-people and anti-development,” asserting that it undermines the very principles intended to promote local governance and rural advancement.
“We urge you and the entire House to reject the bill from further consideration,” the NLC implored. They warned that if passed, the legislation would severely impede the Local Government’s right to autonomy and hinder development in rural areas, directly contravening the Supreme Court ruling.
In a poignant appeal, the NLC described the Speaker as “a vibrant young man that has a long future in Nigerian politics,” and urged him not to be swayed by the Governor’s influence. “He has immunity which you do not have,” they cautioned, noting the serious implications of circumventing the Supreme Court’s judgment, which prescribes jail terms for violators. “The choice is yours. Accordingly, we strongly urge you, in the interest of moral decency and in keeping with your oath of office, to choose the path of transparency rather than corruption, irrespective of monetary inducement.”
The NLC called for the Speaker to publicly announce the rejection of the bill, advocating instead for policies that would support the autonomy granted by the Supreme Court.
They warned that if the House continues to consider the bill, the NLC and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) cannot ensure industrial peace within the Local Governments.
“Should the House continue with the process of considering the bill,” they stated, “we cannot guarantee you industrial peace in the Local Governments and should therefore not be held responsible for any breakdown of industrial peace in that sector.”
In a proactive response, the NLC announced that it had instructed Labour Leaders in the Local Government Areas to begin mobilizing and sensitizing their members across all 17 Local Governments, should the House proceed with the bill’s consideration.
The NLC concluded their letter by reiterating the need for the House to focus on constructive policies that would enhance worker welfare and foster development in rural communities, rather than pursuing legislation that would adversely affect the most vulnerable populations.
