The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the effectiveness of the Local Government system by passing a bill to amend the Local Government Administration Law. This amendment was necessitated by the creation of additional wards by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), increasing the total number from 329 to 368. According to Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the amendments to Sections 49 and 52 aim to promote harmony, inclusivity, and peaceful administration within the Local Government system.
The amendments outline specific provisions for the appointment of Supervisors and Advisers. Section 49 allows the Chairman to appoint between three and eleven Supervisors from outside the Legislative Council, subject to approval. Section 52 limits the number of Advisers to five, ensuring one is a Legal Practitioner handling Legal Matters. Hon. Aniefiok Imoh-Ita and Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson supported the amendment, highlighting its potential to increase appointments and facilitate smooth Local Government Administration.
The bill’s passage was facilitated by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, who chaired the Committee of the Whole. The motion for the bill’s third reading and passage was moved by Deputy Leader Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon. Udobia Friday Udo. The Speaker directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the amended bill to the Executive for necessary action. This development demonstrates AKHA’s commitment to strengthening Local Government administration in Akwa Ibom State.
The ONNA Lawmaker, Hon. Sunday Johnny, while making comments on the passage of the bill by his colleagues said that, the law will strengthened and give powers to the the Local Government to perform their functions dutifully.
