The Senate has requested that the Federal Government withhold statutory allocations to any local government councils that were not properly elected.
The upper house unanimously agreed that this action would dissuade any state Governor’s totalitarian tendencies.
This resolution follows Sen. Abba Moro’s motion on the urgent need to halt the erosion of democracy in Benue State through the dissolution of elected councils.
The lawmakers contended that the use of Caretaker Committees to substitute Elected Councils is an anomaly, undemocratic, and a violation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s (as amended) constitution.
Senator Victor Umeh (representing Anambra Senatorial district), who seconded the motion lamented that the issue has continued to undermine the local government system in Nigeria.
The Senate therefore condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected Local government councils in Benue and other states of the federation.
They urged the Benue state Governor, Hyacinth Alia to adhere to his oath of office to obey the rule of law, review the constitution of caretaker committees and reinstate the elected councils.
The Senate continues with the debate on the merits and general principles of the 2024 appropriation bill.