The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Owerri West constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), Hon. Rogers Nwoke, has faulted the rejection of the Autonomy Bill for local government areas by the Imo State House of Assembly, describing it as a danger to democracy.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the PDP candidate said, “My attention has been drawn to newspaper reports this morning on the rejection of the Autonomy Bill by the Imo State House of Assembly.

“This sad event by the current members of the IMHA poses a great danger to our democracy and dampens the hopes and aspirations of the generality of Ndi Imo who have looked forward to the completion of the constitutional amendment which the 9th National Assembly expects to conclude.

He added, “The issue of Autonomy for our LGAs is one that strikes at the very heart of every Nigerian who believes that the much desired accelerated development of our local communities depends on giving autonomy to the LGAs and to State Houses of Assembly. How can members of the current IMSA shoot themselves in the foot by rejecting the much-desired autonomy of the legislature?

“In drafting my legislative agenda, I had taken it for granted that this Assembly will settle the issue of Autonomy and I feel utterly embarrassed and disappointed. I can only assure Ndi Owerri West and indeed Ndi Imo that this affliction will not stand a second time.

Urging the people on the need to actively participate in the forthcoming elections, Nwoke said, “Let us, therefore, make use of our Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to vote out this All Progressives Congress (APC) led Assembly and give the PDP an overwhelming majority in the next Assembly and we promise to pursue and secure the Autonomy of our LGAs, the legislature and the judiciary for in this well-structured separation of powers so that our democracy would thrive.”

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