EBHA Approves Upward Review of Remuneration for LGA, Development Centre Officials

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the regulation and remuneration packages for public and political officeholders in local government councils and development centres across the state.

The legislative action, which took place during Thursday’s plenary at the Assembly Complex along Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, was presided over by Speaker Chief Moses Ije Odunwa.

The amendment bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Amend the Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres Regulation and Remuneration Packages for Public and Political Officeholders Amendment Law No. 004 of 2008,” was considered following a correspondence from Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

According to the Speaker, the amendment seeks to upwardly review the salaries and office imprests of key local government and development centre functionaries, including Leaders, Deputy Leaders, Councillors, Supervisors, Secretaries, Liaison Officers, and Management Committee Members, in response to current economic realities.

Backing the bill, Chief Whip of the House, Chief Nkemka Okoro Onuma, praised Governor Nwifuru for prioritizing the welfare of grassroots leaders, describing the proposal as a reflection of the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy.

Also supporting the bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Member representing Izzi East Constituency, Hon. Goodluck Obinna Mbam, stressed that the amendment would enhance administrative efficiency and reduce systemic challenges at the local government level.

In their separate remarks, other lawmakers including Hon. Godwin Abiri (Izzi West), Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali (Afikpo East), Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke (Abakaliki North), Hon. Chikezie Igu (Ohaozara East), Hon. Chikaodiri Nomeh (Ezza North West), and Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Joseph Ununu, lent their support and applauded Governor Nwifuru for initiating the reform.

Speaker Odunwa, after confirming the bill’s passage, instructed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Edene Uche Blessing, to formally notify the Governor of the development.

The plenary was adjourned to another legislative day following a motion moved by Chief Nkemka Onuma and seconded by Hon. Esther Chidiebere Agwu (Ohaukwu North).