Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has said it was unconstitutional for the federal government to deduct local government funds from state allocation.
Speaker of the State Assembly, Hon Guwor Dennis, stated this yesterday during the flag off of an event to mark the first anniversary of the eighth assembly.
The speaker said the federal government should be patient and allow the constitutional amendment process to be concluded or embarked on a lobby of stakeholders in order to achieve its plans on local government autonomy.
Dennis however said the Delta Assembly was not against local government autonomy.
He said, “The action of the Accountant General of the Federation. (AGF), is an aberration. It is unconstitutional for the federal government to deduct the money from the state allocation, what belongs to the local government.
“Delta State is a party to the 36 states sued. We know that the Supreme Court knows what to do. The Speakers has their executive meeting before the state assemblies were communicated” Dennis stated
“Delta Assembly Concor to LG autonomy. The federal government should be patient with the constitutional amendment or lobby inorder to achieve its plans over local government autonomy.
“The Assembly is not against local government autonomy since it is a constitutional matter. The state is much ready for the autonomy.
“Despite that two third of the 36 state needs to concur to the bill for local government autonomy, Delta Assembly actually joined the 16 states and unfortunately fell short of the required majority” the Speaker stated.
On the achievements of the Assembly in the last one year, he said the House received a total of 18 bills; 15 executive bills and three private members bills and that out of the 18 bills, nine bills have been passed and three passed.
“The House has also considered some notable motions and adopted resolutions ensuring the welfare and security of Deltans. The journey so far has been that of steady progress, purposeful and impactful legislative year.
“These bills are intended to positively impact on Deltans in several ways, that is, in the social, economic, Justice and environmental sectors. We have not in any way lowered the bar, rather we have raised the bar.
This is evident in the drafting and adoption of the 8th legislative agenda.
“I must also put it on record that the Eight Assembly is poised to deliver on its mandate of lawmaking, representation and oversight of government programmes, projects and policies.
“In fulfillment of our constitutional duties, the House has screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as members of the State Executive Council and appointment into Government Agencies, Boards and Commissions.
“We will collaborate without compromising the independence of the legislature, with the executive arm of government to ensure development gets to every part of the state.
“The House will always support government policies that will ameliorate the economic pains Nigerians cum Deltans have been subjected to in the last one.
“As we move on to the second session, we are more than ever before prepared and propelled to discharge our duties and responsibilities and ensure the policy trust of government , which is in consonance with our legislative agenda is fully implemented for the benefit and good of Deltans.
“In the past one year, it has been giant strides of impactful and strategic legislative partnership, engagement, interventions, cooperation and collaboration with the Executive and Judicial arms of government and other critical stakeholders” he said.
