The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Emomotiti Gumor, on Tuesday, condemned the action of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for dragging 36 States to court over local government autonomy saying “it is unconstitutional for Federal government to deduct from the state what belong to the local governments”.
Gumor who stated this during the 8th Assembly’s first anniversary, said it was wrong in the first place for the AGF to have instituted court action against the states when there was already an amendment process of the constitution.
He said, “It is unconstitutional for the Federal government to deduct money from the state that belongs to the local governments.”
“Only 16 of the 36 States supported autonomy of the local government, which means that it falls short of the expectations of what the constitution says, so it couldn’t stand the test of time.”
“They needed 24 states to support the autonomy but unfortunately, only 16 voted for it while others voted against it.”
“Federal government should have waited for a constitutional amendment, but it hurriedly approached the court which to me is an aberration and unconstitutional.”
On the achievements of the House during the last year, Guwor noted that the House had considered some notable motions and adopted resolutions that brought about the welfare and security of Deltans.
“The motion condemning rising incidence of open sex trade and use of illicit drugs among youths in Asaba and Environs as well as motion calling on the Governor to prohibit the use of styrofoam (also known as polystyrene) as cups, plates or any form of packaging for food or beverages in the State.”
“In the period under review, the House received a total of 18 bills; 15 executive bills and three private members bills, and of which nine bills have been passed and three assented to” he added.
The bills assented to include the Supplementary Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2022; Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022 and Appropriation Bill, 2024.
The lawmakers lamented the rate of open sex trade and the use of illicit drugs among youths in Asaba.