A fundamental constitution review aimed at ensuring full autonomy for local government is underway.
Yesterday, the Senate unfolded plans to amend the 1999 Constitution to give effect to the Supreme Court verdict on local government funding.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said tinkering with the constitution would facilitate the implementation of the apex court judgment on autonomy.
Following the Supreme Court judgment, the State/Local Govt Joint Account Committee ceases to exist and councils were entitled to receive their allocations directly from the Federation Account.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC) has vowed to enforce the court ruling.
Akpabio spoke on the proposed constitution review when he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State loyal to the erstwhile Interim National Secretary, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in Uyo, the state capital.
Akpabio said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, that the constitution review will halt the manipulation of the local council system.
He said: “I thank President Bola Tinubu for looking for a way to bring the all needed autonomy to the local governments through the intervention of the Supreme Court.
“The Senate, under my leadership, will tinker with the constitution to ensure that the judgment is fully implemented without any loopholes for manipulation by the practitioners.”
The former APC’s interim scribe had defected to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), following a disagreement with the APC leadership.
Hailing the defectors for returning to the APC, Akpabio said: “The only thing that is permanent in life is change. Before my coming into the APC, the party never won even a councillorship seat in the state and I came into the party in 2018. Then leaders of the party saw me as an enemy.
“During the 2019 elections, the APC worked against the APC. We had the best chance to have won the governorship and other elections in the state, but the then leaders refused to see it from that angle.
“I joined the APC so that we would be linked to the center and I thank God today that the dream finally came to pass in 2023.
“I am today the President of the Senate, through the grace of God Almighty, the support of President Bola Tinubu and my distinguished colleagues who elected me.
“God knew that I meant well for our people, so he elevated me to the position of the President of the Senate. When you raise people, your hands remain up and when you bring people down, your hands will also be down. So, follow person wey know road.
“On behalf of the party leadership, I welcome you back. I am happy that you have all returned to the party where you belonged. Now that you are back, May God bless you and grant the progressive desires of your hearts.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Eteubong Alex Umoh, Obong Kufre Akpan and Mrs Roseline Eyang acknowledged Akpabio as leader.