Akpabio vows to push for LG autonomy through legislative reforms

President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has pledged that the National Assembly will amend critical laws to ensure full autonomy for Local Government Councils in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event in Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State, after participating in the local government elections, Akpabio highlighted key legislative hurdles impeding Local Government administration, including the State and Local Government joint accounts committee and the State Independent Electoral Commission laws.

He emphasised that amending these laws is crucial to ensure local governments receive funds directly and function independently, in line with a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Akpabio also stressed the importance of free and fair elections at the grassroots level for deepening democracy and ensuring that development reaches the common man.

Reflecting on his time as Governor of Akwa Ibom, he noted that opposition parties had previously won council seats amid a trend of state ruling parties dominating local elections.

Akpabio called for a re-examination of Nigeria’s electoral processes at the local level and urged citizens to exercise their right to vote while advocating parliamentary and judicial reforms to protect voters’ rights.

The Senate president emphasised that parliamentary action is needed to align the laws with a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates direct funding to local governments.

He urged Nigerians to vote regardless of the outcome, assuring that legislative reforms will help safeguard the people’s will in future elections.