Cross River: PDP Accuses State Assembly Of Frustrating LG Autonomy With New Bill

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Cross River State Chapter, has warned Governor Bassey Otu not to assent to the Local Government Amendment Bill, recently passed by the State House of Assembly.

The party kicked against what it termed “hasty passage” of Local Government Amendment Bill 2025 by the State House of Assembly.

The party further described it as a direct contradiction of the Supreme Court’s judgment on Local Government Autonomy and an orchestrated scheme to arm-twist, emasculate, and misappropriate local government resources.

In a statement on Monday, signed by Prince Mike Ojisi, the Publicity Secretary, the party warned that there will be dire consequences if the bill is given assent by Governor Bassey Otu

The statement reads in part: “Despite widespread public condemnation, the House proceeded with the bill, defending its actions by wrongly relying on Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which merely empowers states to enact laws for local government administration, but not to undermine their autonomy or divert their funds.

“The PDP identifies several draconian and exploitative provisions within the bill, which place an unbearable financial burden on the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State. These include:

“Expansion of statutory political appointees under each Local Government Chairman from 25 to 50 persons, thereby increasing the financial strain on already underfunded councils.

“Unauthorized monthly deduction of 1% for House of Assembly “oversight functions.”

– 0.5% deduction for the State Community and Social Development Agency.

“1% deduction for funding the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), despite the state government’s primary responsibility for higher education funding.

” 0.5% deduction for the Office of the State Auditor General, ₦1 million mandatory monthly contribution from each LGA to the Cross River State Reserve Fund.

“4% deduction for the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, a responsibility that should be handled by the state government, not the local councils.

“The People’s Democratic Party sees this law as an evil plot by the Otu-led APC administration to plunder resources meant for grassroots development. The party categorically states that:

“The financial autonomy of LGAs is sacrosanct and must not be subjected to the manipulative whims of the state government.

“The hasty passage and signing of this law reveal a desperate attempt to siphon local government funds for political patronage ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The people of Cross River State must resist this oppressive, anti-development, and unconstitutional law through all legal and democratic means.

“The PDP, therefore, alerts the good people of Cross River State and the entire nation to this daylight robbery of local government funds under the guise of legislative amendments.

“The party remains committed to protecting democracy, defending local government autonomy, and ensuring that public resources are used for grassroots development rather than political enrichment.”