Following the recent Supreme Court’s judgement, granting financial autonomy to the Local Governments, a professor of Environmental Law, Maritime Law, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, Professor Theodore Okonkwo is upbeat that Anambra State will not falter on the implementation.
In an exclusive interview with newsmen in Awka, the legal luminary said the state under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo will comply with the court ruling.
In the unanimous judgement of its seven-member panel on Thursday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the suit brought by the federal government to strengthen the independence of local governments in the country.
The court ruled that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas in their states.
Reacting to the judgement, Prof Okonkwo described it as sound, strengthening and reinforcing constitutional democracy.
He expressed confidence that in Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo will have no problems implementing the judgement, as a true believer in the rule of law.
“I know Mr Governor and how he strongly believes in the rule of law.
“During his electioneering campaigns, he promised that he will conduct local government elections.
“The governor has gone ahead to sign the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, which signposts his commitment to repositioning the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, for the conduct of the Local Government Polls.
“So, conducting the election is just a matter of time for him.
“With his achievements as governor of the state, I know that if such elections come up in Anambra, APGA will definitely carry the day.
“On that note, I also want to call on all governors of the Federation to conduct Local Government Elections,” Okonkwo demanded.
Ahead of the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, Okonkwo, who is a two-time Idemili North and South Federal Constituency seat aspirant, called on politicians in the state, planning to disrupt the zoning arrangement prevailing in the state, to withdraw.
In his opinion, such ambition does not mean well for the peace and stability of the state, as Anambra cannot afford to lose political stability, considering the progress it has made under successive APGA regimes.
It was from the administration of Mr Peter Obi as governor of the state from Anambra Central Senatorial zone, that the unwritten zoning arrangement came into place in the state.
Obi eventually handed over after 8 years, to former governor Willie Obiano from Anambra North, who did 8 years at the state helm, before handing over to incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo from Isuofia Community in Anambra South Senatorial zone.
According to Prof Okonkwo, Anambra State has been enjoying political peace due to the sacrosanct agreement and arrangement of zoning of the office of the governor of the state.
Frowning at interest in the state’s helmsman job from politicians from other senatorial zones and other political parties, Okonkwo, who is an APGA Stalwart from Oraukwu in Idemili South Council Area, advised them to jettison such ambitions in the interest of the state.
“I am miffed at the disposition of some politicians in the state who want to disrupt the zoning arrangement.
“For clarity’s sake, it is the turn of Anambra South and Governor Chukwuma Soludo is there and doing well considering the current economic situation in the state.
“My plea is that those angling from Anambra North, Anambra Central, and Anambra South, to upset the zoning arrangement in the state, should wait until the governor finishes his 8-year tenure before it gets to their turn.
“If they genuinely want the best for Anambra State, then they must recognize what the governor is doing across all sectors of the state economy and rally around him for the overall growth of the state,” Okonkwo said.
The APGA stakeholder encouraged members of the ruling political party in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA to be resolute and ensure the re-election of the governor.
In his view, “APGA has faired the state better and we cannot afford to allow the state to slip away from our hands.”
Speaking on the security situation in Anambra State, Prof Okonkwo stressed the need for the people to understand that the task of securing the state should not be left to the government alone.
He however stressed the need for the state governor to explore partnerships with communities’ leadership to entrench security at the grassroots.
Okonkwo said; “We need to come together as Anambrarians, irrespective of political parties, to fix the current security situation in the state, because it has become more worrisome.
“Security is not the business of government alone. It starts with you and I. If you see something, say something.
“Our people should key into the existing security initiatives of the government and security agencies.
“I appeal to the governor to redouble efforts to address the challenge of insecurity and this he can do, through collaboration and partnership with all the traditional rulers and town unions across Anambra State.”
