CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, had on Monday signed into law the amended Cross River Local Government Laws.
Some of the key amendments to the Principal Law include: Sections 22(a) and 22(b) – provide for the statutory appointment of up to 50 persons per council.
Other significant amendments aimed at enhancing grassroots governance and service delivery in the state include Section 4(4) – increases the number of departments from seven to twelve, allowing for a more structured and efficient administration.
While Section 5(2) has adjustments in percentages of funds allocated to key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
According to Nsa Gill, Cross River State Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, “Section 20(1) – entrusts Vice Chairmen of councils with oversight on humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary matters, as well as sports.
In a social media post, he added, “Section 21, mandates that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character, ensuring balanced representation.”
Truth Live News gathered that Sections 22(3) and 22(6) – enhance the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff.
Also, Sections 22(a) and 22(b) – introduce the role of Ward Relations Officers, who will serve as Special Assistants in each Council Ward.
While Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) to now have the same rank as Permanent Secretaries at the state level.
“In no distant time, the difference at the grassroots level will be cleared,” said the Governor.
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He expressed optimism that the amended law would strengthen representation at the grassroots level and drive meaningful development.
Also, the Governor observed that the Cross River State House of Assembly’s status is fully All Progressives Congress (APC) legislature.
“With the party now fully in control, unity and collaboration were imperative to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda,” Gill said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has highlighted the transformative impact of the amendments.
At the signing ceremony held in the Governor’s temporary office in Calabar, Ayambem said the revised law would accelerate economic development, encourage broader participation in governance, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.