A few weeks after the Supreme Court judgement on the financial autonomy of the 774 local governments in Nigeria, the Osun State House of Assembly said on Tuesday that the judgement has brought about the nullification of certain existing laws that were in place.
The lawmakers, however, commenced the process of amending its existing laws, with the Speaker of the House, Hon. Wale Egbedun, maintaining that “In light of this development, I am urging this Honourable House that we promptly initiate the process of amending the current Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) Laws as well as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law.”
“To facilitate this crucial process, I am proposing two new bills for consideration: (i) the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No. 1) Bill, 2024, and (ii) the (ii) the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.”
“Let us work collaboratively to enact laws that not only comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling but also promote good governance and effective administration at the local government level.”
“Your dedication and expertise in this matter are highly valued, and I am confident that together we can enact legislation that serves the best interests of our constituents and upholds the principles of democracy,” he submitted.
He, however, listed the bills slated for amendments as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No. 1) Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.
At its preliminary sitting, the Speaker pointed out that “it is imperative that the Assembly delves into the amendments and makes a thorough deliberation on them to ensure that its legislative framework aligns with the new legal landscape.”
He said, “I trust that each one of us is well-informed about the recent landmark ruling delivered by the Supreme Court, which has authorised financial independence for the 774 local governments across Nigeria.
“This significant judgement has brought about the nullification of certain existing laws that were in place.”
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