A recent order from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has created significant turmoil for the administration of Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. The court has halted the federal government from transferring funds designated for the state’s 21 local government councils to Soludo’s administration. These funds are to be held in an interest-bearing account managed by the Chief Registrar of the FCT High Court until the court hears the substantive Motion on Notice.
The court also directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the use of funds received by the Anambra State Government from March 22, 2022, to April 30, 2024. The EFCC must report their findings and submit a compliance affidavit within 30 days.
This legal action follows a lawsuit filed by lawyer Chukwuebuka Mmeni, Esq., against Governor Soludo.
Adding to the controversy, just a week before the court’s decision, Soludo dismissed all transition committee chairmen of the state’s local government councils. These chairmen, appointed in April 2022 shortly after Soludo took office, were initially expected to serve a three-month term in preparation for local government elections as outlined in Soludo’s 2021 campaign manifesto. However, their terms were extended seven times, each for three months, before they were finally dismissed.
While the dismissal was seen as a positive step by those advocating for local government elections, their hopes were dashed when Soludo called for new nominations from leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), instead of proceeding with the promised elections.
