Ekiti PDP lawmakers oppose LG autonomy

The Peoples Democratic Party faction of the Ekiti State House of Assembly led by Speaker Dele Olugbemi on Tuesday voted against absolute autonomy for the Local Governments.

The Assembly also voted “No” against scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commission, independent candidacy, and separation of office of Attorney-General from the Minister of Justice among others.

The Leader of the Government Business, Mr. Samuel Ajibola, Ekiti East 11, who briefed reporters after the plenary said the lawmakers voted “No” to absolute autonomy for LGs in order not to give room for abuse of power.

According  to him, Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution as amended gives recognition to the third tier of government and also gives power to the State Assembly to check-mate it.

“It is not too advisable for Local Governments to have absolute autonomy in all ramifications without being checked by relevant authorities in their respective states.

“If LGs are not being checked, especially in area of management of their finances by the Governors or the State Assembly, it might lead to abuse of the opportunity,” Ajibola said.

The Assembly also recommended that the name of the ‘Nigerian Police Force’ be changed to ‘Nigerian Police’ to make them liberal in the execution of their duties.

The Assembly also referred the 2015 budget to the Committee of Finance and Appropriation after it passed through second reading.

Governor Ayodele Fayose had on December 15 presented a N80.774 billion 2015 budget titled, ‘Budget of Reality’ to the House of Assembly.

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Ekiti PDP lawmakers oppose LG autonomy