Anambra backs Supreme Court ruling on autonomous communities, sets new school standards
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Government has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision against the creation of new autonomous communities in the state, urging advocates of the move to prioritise unity, peace and development in their respective communities.
The position was adopted on Monday during the 16th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo at the Light House in Awka.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement issued after the meeting, saying the council aligned with the apex court’s decision.
According to him, the creation of additional autonomous communities could lead to the fragmentation of existing communities, potentially resulting in confusion, division and conflict.
The council therefore urged those agitating for new autonomous communities to redirect their efforts towards strengthening unity, promoting peaceful coexistence and advancing development within their existing communities.
It emphasised that collective progress and harmony should take precedence over actions capable of undermining the cohesion of communities across the state.
In another development, the Anambra State Executive Council has dismissed reports suggesting that the state government intends to reclaim schools previously returned to religious missions.
The council maintained that there was no plan to reverse the decision to return the schools to their respective missions.
However, it expressed concern over the poor standards observed in some of the mission-returned primary schools, stressing the need to improve the quality of education and learning conditions across the state.
The government also disclosed that several public primary schools were undergoing renovation under a counterpart-funding arrangement between the Anambra State Government and the Federal Government.
As part of efforts to improve educational standards, the council resolved to establish minimum operational requirements for all public and private primary schools in the state.
It warned that schools that fail to meet the prescribed standards could be shut down, adding that all primary schools must provide an acceptable learning environment for pupils.
The proposed measures are expected to address deficiencies in school infrastructure and ensure that children receive education in safe and suitable surroundings.
Meanwhile, the council has expressed confidence that the ongoing regeneration of the Onitsha Main Market would meet its December deadline.
The executive council received an update on the project as part of its review of major government programmes and development initiatives across the state.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the timely execution of infrastructure projects, alongside efforts to strengthen community relations and improve the quality of basic education.
The decisions taken at the meeting reflect the Soludo administration’s stated priorities of promoting peaceful coexistence, raising educational standards and delivering key development projects across Anambra State.
