LG Autonomy: Osun Assembly Commences Amendment Of OSIEC Law

The Osun State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, said it had commenced the process of amending the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission and Local Government Creation and Administration Law.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that the amendment follows the recent judgment by the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Barr Hashim Abioye, noted that the forthcoming local government elections will be conducted in only the constitutionally recognised 30 local government areas and the area office in the state.

The Speaker, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, during plenary on Tuesday, noted that the bills slated for amendments include the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No. 1) Bill, 2024, and the Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.

Egbedun maintained that the Assembly needed to delve into the amendments to ensure that its legislative framework aligned with the new legal landscape.

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He said, “I trust that each one of us is well-informed about the recent landmark ruling delivered by the Supreme Court, which has authorised financial independence for the 774 local governments across Nigeria.

“This significant judgement has brought about the nullification of certain existing laws that were in place.

“In light of this development, I am urging this Honorable House that we promptly initiate the process of amending the current Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) Laws, as well as the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law.

“To facilitate this crucial process, I am proposing two new bills for consideration: (i) the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (Amendment No. 1) Bill, 2024, and Osun State Local Government Areas (Creation and Administration) (Harmonised) Bill, 2024.

“Let us work collaboratively to enact laws that not only comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling but also promote good governance and effective administration at the local government level.

“Your dedication and expertise in this matter are highly valued, and I am confident that together, we can enact legislation that serves the best interests of our constituents and upholds the principles of democracy.”