Issues of abrogation of State joint Local Government account so
that allocation due to the local government would be paid to them
directly, creation of additional state, amendment to make the immunity
provision for the president, vice president, governor and deputy
governor to cover only civil proceeding while in office and other issues
dominated the debate by Nigerians in UK yesterday as parts of their
contribution to the ongoing constitution amendment process.
During the heat debate that characterised the discussion, there was
near agreement by most contributors that there is no law in Nigeria that
empowers governors to steal or divert funds met for local government
administration.
They said that there was the urgent need for financial independence
and transparency for LGA funds to encourage responsible women and men to
participate in the affairs of the LGA.
The forum was organised by the Royal Institute of International
Affairs otherwise known as CHATHAM HOUSE with financial support from
British High Commission, Nigeria, to enable Nigerians in UK to make
their input to the constitution amendment in Nigeria.
The forum moderated by Dr. Robin Niblett, the chair of CHATHAM HOUSE,
was attended by the deputy speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senate
Committee Chairman on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Deputy House
Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, Chairman of House Committee on Diaspora, Hon.
Abike Debiri – Erewa, Hon. Garba Datti and representatives of different
professional groups in UK.
The debate at the forum held at the CHATHAM HOUSE, central London,
was robust and at the end the participants voted overwhelmingly for
financial independence for local government council administration, true
independent electoral commission
to guarantee credible elections, financial autonomy for state houses of
assembly, more involvement of women in elective positions and right by
Nigerians living outside Nigeria to vote during elections.
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