GOV OTU SIGNS CROSS RIVER LG AMENDMENT BILL 2025
The Cross River State Local Government Amendment Bill 2025 was signed by Governor Bassey Otu on Monday.
The measure intends to expedite economic development and growth, promote wider and greater involvement, facilitate several beneficial reforms to the third tier of government, and improve effective and efficient service delivery at the local government level.
Section 4(4), which increases the number of departments from seven to twelve, and Section 5(2), which readjusts the percentages of funding expected from the local government councils to important MDAs in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency, are some of the principal law’s major amendments.
Section 20(1) entrusts 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 specifies that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character.
Other sections amended are; 22(3) and (6) which strengthen the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff Section 22(a) and 22(b) which provide 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.