Orji Kalu Calls for INEC to Conduct Local Government Elections Following Supreme Court’s Autonomy Ruling

Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, has praised the recent Supreme Court decision granting autonomy to local governments, urging the Federal Government to utilize the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting local government elections across the country.

In a statement reacting to the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement, which mandates direct payment of local government funds to their exclusive accounts, Kalu emphasized the importance of empowering local governments with control over their finances. He highlighted the potential benefits such autonomy could bring, citing his own experience as governor where local government autonomy facilitated local development projects and reduced crime rates.

Kalu stressed that allowing INEC to oversee local government elections instead of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) would further strengthen local government autonomy and alleviate pressure on state governments. He called on all stakeholders, including state governors, to embrace the Supreme Court’s decision as a triumph for democracy and accountability.

The senator also extended his appreciation to key figures involved in securing the autonomy ruling, underscoring the significance of the judgement in advancing governance at the grassroots level in Nigeria.