Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has clarified that the recently enacted Abia State Local Government Administration Law is fully aligned with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. The statement was made during the governor’s monthly media parley, “Governor Otti Speaks with Abians,” held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Umuahia.
Addressing concerns raised in nationwide discussions on local government autonomy, Governor Otti emphasized that the new law was designed to support the Supreme Court’s ruling while ensuring seamless governance and effective service delivery at the grassroots level. “The Abia State Local Government Administration Law is not in conflict with the Supreme Court’s decision. Our intention is to facilitate smooth implementation of the judgment without disrupting essential services to our people,” Otti stated.
The governor’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the constitutional roles of state governments in supporting local councils to deliver critical services. The Supreme Court’s ruling, which mandates direct allocation of funds to local governments, has sparked discussions on balancing autonomy with state oversight to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance while adhering to the legal framework established by the Supreme Court. He assured Abians that the law would enhance transparency and service delivery at the local level, aligning with the state’s broader development agenda.
The clarification has been welcomed by stakeholders, though some analysts continue to call for clear guidelines to harmonize state and local government roles in light of the autonomy ruling. The Abia State government is expected to provide further details on the implementation of the new law in the coming weeks.
