C’River PDP tackles Otu, says new LG law undermines autonomy
The Cross River State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly criticised Governor Bassey Otu and the state House of Assembly over what it described as “the hasty passage” of the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, the opposition party condemned the new law, calling it a direct violation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy.
The PDP alleged that the amendment was an orchestrated scheme to “arm-twist, emasculate, and misappropriate local government resources.”
According to the statement, the law introduces several exploitative provisions that place an unbearable financial burden on the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
One of the major concerns raised by the PDP is the expansion of statutory political appointees under each Local Government Chairman from 25 to 50 persons, which it argues will significantly increase financial strain on already underfunded councils.
The party also condemned the unauthorised monthly deduction of 1% for House of Assembly oversight functions, as well as a 0.5% deduction for the State Community and Social Development Agency.
Additionally, the PDP criticised the 1% deduction for funding the University of Cross River State, stating that higher education is the responsibility of the state government, not local councils.
Other contentious deductions include 0.5% for the Office of the State Auditor General, a mandatory N1m monthly contribution from each LGA to the Cross River State Reserve Fund, and 4% for the Cross River State Road Maintenance Agency, which the party insists should be handled by the state government instead.
Condemning the bill’s passage, the PDP stated: “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.”
Reaffirming its stance, the PDP declared its commitment to “protecting democracy, defending local government autonomy, and ensuring that public resources are used for grassroots development rather than political enrichment.”
The party described the law as an “evil plot by the Otu-led APC administration to plunder resources meant for grassroots development.”
Governor Out had on Monday signed the amended LG law, stating that it was to enhance grassroots development.
