Petition Launched to Block Bill Granting Government Power Over Council Lands

A petition has been launched against proposed amendments to the Decentralization Act that would allow the government to unilaterally seize land from island and city councils for development projects. Introduced by MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, the bill also adds a mandatory code of conduct forcing councilors to fully cooperate with the government. Critics argue the bill destroys the spirit of local governance, leaving councils stripped of jurisdiction.

Public Petition Challenges Bill Enabling Cabinet to Seize Local Council Lands

A public petition is currently gathering signatures in opposition to proposed legislative amendments that would grant the central government authority to revoke local council jurisdiction over land and properties at will for state development projects.

The controversial bill to amend the Decentralization Act was submitted to Parliament by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, an independent lawmaker who aligns with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

Under the proposed legislation, the Cabinet can decide to isolate any land or property within a council's jurisdiction for state projects, automatically terminating the council's ownership and transferring full ownership rights to the national government. Additionally, local councils would be legally required to hand over requested land for government initiatives even before their official physical development plans are formally approved.

Beyond land ownership, the amendment introduces new conduct rules that make full cooperation with central government initiatives legally mandatory for local councilors. The code explicitly prohibits councilors from acting in any manner that obstructs state projects without a valid reason, or passing decisions intended to halt such initiatives.

The circulating petition demands the immediate withdrawal of the bill, asserting that the proposed measures fundamentally contradict the core spirit of local decentralization.

The legislative push comes amid heightened friction between the central government and local authorities over land allocations, particularly involving properties managed by the Addu City Council. It follows earlier amendments passed last year that allowed the central government to bypass reluctant councils and execute projects using approval directly from the Local Government Authority (LGA).