The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has demanded the immediate dissolution of Southeast Governors’ appointed Caretaker Chairmen and conduct of Local Government Areas elections in the South-East.
The demands by Ohanaeze, followed the Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, which granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government councils in Nigeria.
The Supreme Court had in its landmark decision declared that it is unconstitutional for governors to hold funds allocated to local governments and perpetuate illegality by appointing their cronies and loyalists as Caretaker Council chairmen.
Reacting through a statement e-signed by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation stated, “We, the apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stand together in solidarity to address a matter of utmost importance for the democratic integrity of our nation.
“The recent Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Autonomy is a monumental victory for democracy, a triumph that cannot be understated. It marks the end of nefarious manipulations by Nigerian Governors on Local Government funds, putting an end to the continuous pilferage and diversion of LGA allocations.
“However, the implementation of this ruling, is paramount in ensuring that the autonomy of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, is fully realized and safeguarded.
“To achieve this, it is imperative that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is granted the constitutional authority to oversee Local Government elections. By empowering INEC to conduct these elections, transparency, fairness, and accountability will be upheld, deterring Governors from exerting undue influence and control over the electoral process. The days of Governors using State Independent Electoral Commissions to install their cronies and stooges as Local Government Chairmen for personal gain, must come to an end.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon Southeast Governors to accept the Supreme Court ruling with grace and compliance. By organizing credible, transparent, and free Local Government elections in the 95 LGAs of the Southeast, the Governors can play a pivotal role in bolstering democracy and addressing pressing security challenges at the grassroots level. We are cognizant of clandestine endeavors aimed at perpetuating the siphoning of LGA allocations in the Southeast, and we remain vigilant in monitoring these developments.
“In light of these crucial issues, we urge for the immediate dissolution of Southeast Governors’ appointed Caretaker Chairmen and the expeditious conduct of LGA elections in the region.
“Furthermore, we implore the President, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to empower INEC to oversee the elections of all 774 LGAs nationwide. This collaborative effort is essential in curbing the pervasive culture of corruption and impunity perpetuated by State Governors, and ensuring that Local Government funds are utilized for the prosperity of our communities.
“It is incumbent upon South-East Governors to heed this call for accountability, transparency, and probity in governance. The era of appointing cronies and stooges to siphon Local Government allocations has been brought to an end by the Supreme Court’s verdict, and any attempts to circumvent this ruling will be met with legal action and sanctions. It is time for Southeast Governors to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and to act in the best interests of their constituents.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting democratic values and combating corruption at all levels of government. We implore all stakeholders to rally behind the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on LGA Autonomy, ensuring that the aspirations of the Nigerian people are realized and their voices heard.”
