The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to granting more autonomy to local governments in Nigeria. Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, made this known during a courtesy call by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide. Kalu emphasized that the Constitution Review process is focused on devolving powers to local governments, enabling them to control their development agendas and promote grassroots development, accountability, and effective service delivery.
The Deputy Speaker noted that communities must organize and prioritize their needs to enable governments to respond accordingly. He highlighted the House’s commitment to inclusive governance, rural development, and strategic community empowerment. Kalu also mentioned that the House is pushing for policy reforms that ensure equitable access to federal infrastructure in underrepresented zones.
During the meeting, the President-General of ACIU, Hon. Yuccee Otah Uwah, solicited Kalu’s support for the creation of Abiriba Local Government Area, carved out of Ohafia Local Government Area. Kalu urged the community to follow the established constitutional process, emphasizing that adherence to due process would ensure fair consideration of their request. He also encouraged the community to submit their documents within the specified timeline to facilitate consideration.
The ACIU President-General also requested the Deputy Speaker’s intervention in resolving a dispute between the community and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) over the disconnection of electricity supply to Abiriba and surrounding communities. Kalu assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed.
The meeting highlighted the House’s commitment to grassroots development and community empowerment. By prioritizing local government autonomy and devolution of powers, the government’s review process aims to promote grassroots development and community empowerment.
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