The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has claimed that the proposed Local Government bill aims to divert council funds in the state.
In a letter to the Speaker, reference number , dated October 25, 2024, and signed by NLC State Chairman , Ogbonnaya Okoro and Secretary Emma Alozie, the NLC expressed its concern stating, “writing to you about the preposed obnoxious bill that has provision for seeding 90% of the Local Government Allocation to the State Government Allocation, leaving only a paltry 10% for the running of the Local Government Areas.”
The Abia NLC voiced its belief that the bill represents a serious infringement on the autonomy of the Local Government Authority, showing complete disregard for the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024 ruling that granted financial independence to Local Governments in Nigeria. They described the bill as anti-people and harmful to development.”
“We urge you and the entire House to reject the bill from further consideration. The bill, if passed, will adversely impact Local Government’s right to its freedom, and development of the rural areas, while violating the principles underpinning the Supreme Court Judgment”, the congress stated.
The NLC praised the Speaker as ‘a dynamic young leader with a promising future in Nigerian politics’ and urged, “We appeal that you do not allow the Governor to mislead you. The Governor has immunity, but you do not. The judgment imposes jail terms on anyone attempting to bypass it. The choice is yours. Therefore, we strongly encourage you, in the interest of integrity and in honor of your oath of office, to pursue transparency over corruption, despite any financial incentives.”
The NLC thus urged the Speaker to fully reject the harmful, anti-people, and anti-development bill, publicly declare the House’s rejection of it, and uphold the Supreme Court ruling that granted autonomy to Local Governments.”
The NLC cautioned that state workers ‘would oppose any efforts to pass the bill and ensure it never comes into effect,’ issuing a warning.
“Should the House continue with the process of considering the bill, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees 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.
“We have instructed Labour Leaders in the LGAs to begin immediate mobilization and sensitization of our members across the 17 Local Government areas, if the House proceeds with consideration of the bill”, Labour said.
The NLC urged the House to focus on policies that would positively impact workers’ welfare and rural development, rather than pursuing a harmful bill that would negatively affect the poor masses, for the sake of peace and progress.
