Senate threatens to stop LG allocations to states for non conduct of polls

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By Madu Obi

The Senate has asked the Federal Government to stop statutory allocations to local governments across the country not democratically elected.

The Senate frowned at a situation whereby most local government officials in the country were handpicked by state governors.

Worried by the situation, the Senate on Friday unanimously resolved that withholding the allocations of LGA under undemocratic arrangements would deter the dictatorial tendencies of state governors.

The motion for the withholding was moved by Senator Abba Moro under urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy vis a vis the dissolution of elected councils in Benue State.

Senators who contributed to the motion 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 Central Senatorial district, who seconded the motion, lamented that the issue has continued to undermine the local government system in Nigeria.

The Senate therefore condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government councils in the states of the federation.