LG Chairmen Seek Financial Autonomy For Councils

Chairmen of Okrika and Eleme Local Government councils in Rivers State have called for  financial rather than absolute autonomy as canvassed in some quaters as part of the ongoing  constitutional review process in the country.

Okrika Council boss, Barrister Tamuno Williams and his Eleme counterpart, Hon. Orji Ngofa  bared their minds during the second annual thanksgiving and praise service organised by the  Okrika council at the weekend.

Barrister Williams was of the view that absolute autonomy for local councils was a mirage and  cannot be attained, stressing that most often local governments derive their powers from those  given to them by the constitution

  He noted that most federal systems have only two layers of governments, and cited the example  of Germany where the states take up the responsibility of councils as have been demonstrated by  the Rivers State Government in the area of education and waste management.  Williams said,” autonomy per se is not feasible, constitutionally and jurisdictionally cannot be  effectual. But autonomy interms of functions and duties are possiblea local government cannot be autonomous from the state. It is autonomous to the extent that its functions and duties are prescribed by law and their revenue is being given, based on  constitutional provisions”.

For Eleme Council boss, all federating units as obtained all over the world run two layers of  government, as the local councils draw their powers from the states.

Hon. Ngofa was ofthe view that local government autonomy as promoted by some politicians  was more of a theory than practice, while calling for measures to improve funding for councils.

“A means should be devised whereby the finances of the councils are directly given to them  without jeopardising the spirit of the federal system,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Barrister Tamuno Williams has expressed thanks to God for the  peaceful atmosphere recorded in the area in recent years, saying the development encourages fast  growth and transformation.

He disclosed that the special thanksgiving and praise service was a way to appreciate God’s  infinite mercies on the people of the area, “first and foremost we have peace in Okrika now and  with peace there is development”.

Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Okrika, Rt Rev Tubonimi Abere urged the citizenry to always respect their leaders and pray for them. “Our gratitude  cannot be complete to trust God and move away from him,”  he admonished the congregation