Activist Sues Soludo and Predecessors for Running Unlawful LGs in Anambra State

An activist, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, has taken legal action against Governor Charles Soludo and his predecessors, Chris Ngige, Peter Obi, and Willie Obiano for allegedly running the affairs of the 21 local government areas in Anambra State with unelected officials.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Awka, seeks nine consequential reliefs against the defendants, including barring them from contesting elections or occupying public office due to their contravention of the Constitution.

The plaintiff, Okonkwo, asserts that the defendants have violated both Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and a previous court judgment.

The suit claims that the defendants’ actions have led to the illegal usurpation of offices at the local government council areas, resulting in the unconstitutional expenditure of public funds.

Okonkwo is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to render public account before the court, of all funds illegally expended by them or their agents during their respective administrations.

He demands exemplary damages of N100 billion in his favor against the defendants.

The case draws attention to the lack of democratic elections for local government officials in Anambra State since November 2014, during the tenure of then-Governor Peter Obi.

This suit marks a significant legal challenge to the governance of local government areas in the state, with implications for the democratic process and the distribution of public funds.

The Federal High Court, Awka, is yet to set a date for the hearing of the case.