This is just as he appealed to the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to consider using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections at the local government level.
States’ Independent National Electoral Commission (SEIC) currently preside over local polls, with attendant misgiving and controversy particularly as it concerns transparency and integrity.
Recall that In a landmark judgment on Thursday, read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court ordered the Federal Government to immediately start the direct payment of local government funds to the latter’s exclusive accounts.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, Kalu who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, said, “The Supreme Court judgment on the autonomy of local governments is one that should be hailed and applauded, especially for the courage and independence shown by the judiciary.
“The Supreme Court being a policy court did what is right and beneficial to the society. While it may look like interference in the states’ affairs, we should accept that all the calls for end of insecurity, kidnappings and banditry have just begun with this autonomy granted to the local governments”.
The former governor of Abia State insisted that “When the local governments are in total control of their funds, there is a flow of resources and activities in the local areas. For instance, when I was governor between 1999-2007, the autonomy of my local government chairmen was a major breakthrough to the success of my administration. The Local Government Chairmen built roads and gave contracts to local contractors. The Chairmen were able to take full responsibility for what happened in their local government and crime was reduced to the barest minimum.
“I will also appeal to the Federal Government to consider making a case for local government elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) instead of the State Independent Electoral Commission ( SIEC) .
“This will further strengthen the autonomy of the local governments and reduce the pressure on the state governments. When governance gets to the grassroots, it becomes easier to identify and hold the leaders responsible and accountable.”
That said, the businessman cum politician appealed to the 36 State Governors to accept the landmark judgment in good fate in the interest of the country.
“I sincerely appeal to the 36 state governors to accept this judgment as a victory for democracy, victory for themselves and victory for all Nigerians,” he added.
He further commended the President Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN and all the Supreme Court Justices who played a role in “this landmark achievement” for Nigerians.