From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed into Law the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.

 The House passed the bill after deliberating on the report of its Joint Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution as well as Public Accounts.

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon Eyo Bassey (representing Bakassi) in his presentation noted that the State Local Government Law of 2007 was first amended in 2008 and further amended in 2011 adding that for the purpose of clarity these previous amendments had been harmonised and repealed.

The Lawmaker maintained that the bill will facilitate lots of positive changes to the third tier of government adding that it will enhance economic development and growth, encourage broader and greater participation as well as enhance effective and efficient service delivery at the Local Government level.

The Committee Chairman further informed that the bill will  make Heads of Local Government Administration(HOLGAs) enjoy the status of Permanent Secretaries like their counterparts in the State Civil Service as a reward for hard work while also making financial provisions for the Auditor-General for Local Government to enable him execute his responsibilities efficiently.

Some major sections of the Principal Law amended include; section 4(4)increment of departments from 7 to 12, section 5(2) readjustment of percentages of funds expected from the Local Government Councils to key MDAs to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, section 20(1) entrusting the responsibilities of humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary issues as well as Sports to the Vice Chairmen of Councils and section 21 which specifies that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character.

Other sections amended are; 22(3) and (6) which strengthened the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff, section 22(a) and 22(b) which provides for statutory appointments of not more than 50 persons as well as the appointment of Ward Relations Officers with the status of Special Assistants for each Council Ward.

Also amended are sections 33(3) stipulating the appointments approved for the Leaders (Including a Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary) and Deputy Leaders of Councils as well as sections 45(A, B and C) on the establishment of office of HOLGAs, criteria for appointments   and cessation of office.

Before the passage of the bill, the House had dissolved into the Committee of the Whole where Members deliberated extensively on the report to ensure that it would meet critical contemporary issues and requirements of rural dwellers in line with current realities. They expressed satisfaction with the amendments made adding that they will greatly benefit citizens at the Local Government level.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem expressed appreciation to the members of the Joint Committee as well as all Lawmakers for their hard work which had resulted in the speedy passage of the bill.