Senate Urges Federal Govt To Stop Statutory Allocations To Non-Elected Local Govt Councils

Piqued by the Governors’ adamant posture to conduct local government elections, the Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to withhold statutory allocations to local government councils that are not democratically elected.

The Red Chamber unanimously resolved that this move would deter the dictatorial tendencies of some state governors.

This resolution comes against the backdrop of a motion moved by Senator Abba Moro on the urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy vis-a-vis the dissolution of elected councils in Benue State.

The lawmakers argued that the placement of Caretaker Committees to replace Elected Councils is an aberration, undemocratic and a breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Senator Victor Umeh (representing Anambra Senatorial District), who seconded the motion, lamented that the issue has continued to undermine the local government system in Nigeria.

Consequently, the Senate condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government councils in Benue and other states.

To save the face of Nigeria’s democracy, the Senate urged Alia to adhere to his oath of office, obey the rule of law, review the constitution of caretaker committees, and reinstate the elected councils.