By Chinaza Osigwe
The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) and supported by the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, has held a strategic meeting with members of the Anambra State House of Assembly aimed at strengthening local government administration.The one-day engagement formed part of the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Process (STAGE 2) project and focused on enhancing legislative oversight and promoting accountable governance at the grassroots level.Speaking at the meeting, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the organisers for the initiative, describing it as timely as preparations for local government elections continue. He recalled that the Assembly enacted a comprehensive Local Government Administration Law in October 2024 to improve governance at the grassroots.The Speaker expressed support for local government autonomy but noted that certain joint responsibilities, including primary education and healthcare, require clear legal frameworks to ensure effective coordination among federal, state and local authorities. He added that collaboration remains essential for service delivery.In his welcome address, the Executive Director of Centre LSD, Mr Monday Osasah, said the meeting’s theme, “Strengthening Legislative Oversight and Local Government Leadership in Anambra State,” highlighted the importance of local governments as the closest tier of governance to the people.He explained that the STAGE 2 project, supported by the United Kingdom Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, aims to deepen democratic governance in the state. According to him, the initiative builds on earlier efforts that mobilised citizens to advocate local government elections, resulting in polls conducted across the 21 local government areas in September 2024.Also speaking, the President of IPCRC and Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, said the project’s second phase seeks to sustain democratic gains by strengthening institutional structures and building the capacity of elected officials. He stressed the importance of continuous engagement between civil society and lawmakers to promote transparency and accountability.Presenting a paper on legislative oversight of local government administration, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Awka Branch, Barr Michael Ozojiofor, highlighted constitutional and judicial debates surrounding autonomy. He said recent Supreme Court pronouncements reinforced financial autonomy but noted that tensions between state oversight powers and judicial interpretations may require constitutional review.Lawmakers who spoke at the event described the session as interactive and impactful. The member representing Ogbaru I, Hon Noble Igwe, called for a holistic constitutional review, while Barr Mimi Azikiwe of Onitsha North I described the engagement as constructive. Hon Tony Muobike of Aguata II reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to strengthening local government administration through legislation and regular elections.Participants expressed optimism that the engagement would enhance accountability, transparency and governance across local government areas in the state.
