ALGON calls for constitutional amendment
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called on the National Assembly to re-open the constitutional amendment procedure.
The President of ALGON, Chief Nyesom Wike, said there was the need to amend the constitutional before 2007 elections to grant autonomy to councils and increase their funding.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Sunday that it was time to revisit the constitutional amendment because the third term clause had been removed.
Wike, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Council in Rivers, said most council chairmen were afraid of joining issues with their state governors for fear of being removed.
''Most councils today in the country are not autonomous and are afraid that if they take positions against their governors, they will be removed,'' he said.
''ALGON is not happy that the National Assembly jettisoned the constitutional amendment because of the third term clause.
``The third term issue is no more, and there are other issues to be tackled in the constitution,'' he said.
Wike said it had become necessary to amend the local government clause as it affected tenure, joint account and revenue allocation.
He argued that it was undemocratic for state governments to dissolve elected council officials and replace them with caretaker committees.
''ALGON is not happy with the delay in amending the constitution. It will make us cause crisis in the country,'' he said.
He added: ``We believe in constructive engagement and dialogue and hope that one day, our prayers will be answered.''
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