The Rivers State House of Assembly has voted against the Local Government Autonomy.
The National Union of Local Government Workers had been clamouring for autonomy, to among other things allow Local government councils pilot their own affairs.
As part of its oversight function and a directive from the National Assembly to all state Houses of Assembly for the amendment of the Local Government Laws, the Rivers State House of Assembly Tuesday 16th Dec. voted vehemently against the autonomy.
Speaking with journalists, Leader of the House, Chidi Lloyd said the Local government councils were not strong enough to be independent.
Citing examples of issues that affect salary payment and poor administration, Lloyd said Local government areas needed more time to grow.
The House Leader also said the vote for or against the autonomy of LGA’s was being held in all the states of the federation, adding that the final resolution would be retained in the Nigeria’s Constitution.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly voted against the alteration of the constitution as it is, with regard to Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The Lawmakers thought it was not proper to alter the 1999 Constitution in that regards. My colleagues also argued that the situation may lead to what we had before when salary of primary shools and that of Health workers were not paid as at when due.
“We felt that the Local government area need more time to be strong. It is not yet time for them to enjoy that kind of action”.
Meanwhile, Local Government workers under the auspices of the National Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, had staged a protest to the Rivers State House of Assembly to demand for local government Autonomy.
Vice Chairman of NULGE, Comrade Magidi Dickson who led the protest said they were in the Assembly to agitate for the independence of LGA’s in Rivers State.
Magidi said their request was for the State Assembly to join other state Assemblies in the country to amend the 1999 constitution in the favour of NULGE.
