The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres amendment Law where the Chairman of the Ad-hoc committee Hon. Barr. Friday Linus Nwuhuo, said the purpose of the Law was to further amend Ebonyi State Local government Councils and Development Centres Law No. 007 of 2007.
Hon. Barr. Nwuhuo who represents Ezza North East Constituency, disclosed that the amendment will not only help in empowering the people of Ebonyi State but would ensure rapid grass root development in the State.
The Chairman further maintained that the Ad-hoc committee was constituted by the House in response to demands of Ebonyi youths who protested to the House agitating for reduction of Local Government Chairmen tenure from three years to two years.
Barr. Friday Linus Nwuhuo, appreciated the unimaginable achievement and attainment of the State Governor Engr. David Nweze Umahi, whom he said has performed magic in transforming the shape of Ebonyi.
The Lawmaker equally commended the Speaker Ebonyi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, for his proactive measures and commitment in making robust legislation for the good governance of the State.
Barr. Nwuhuo therefore implored all participants at the public hearing to feel free to make their inputs towards the passage of the law.
Contributing, a member representing Abakaliki North Constituency and a member of the committee Hon. Mrs. Franca Okpo, said that the law was an appropriate one as neighboring States had already passed such law, adding that two years tenure was the best for one in such position of chairmanship to have an excellent score card.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Assembly Matters, Hon. Julius Ifeanyichukwu Nwokpor while giving nod in support of two years tenure for Local Government Chairmen expressed happiness for the large turnout of the participants, saying that it was an indication that people of the State needed two years tenure which would motivate good performances in Local government system.
Hon. Nwokpor commended Governor Umahi for his political landmark and described him as a complete embodiment of wisdom, will, determination and fulfillment.
The State PDP Legal Adviser Barr. Nnachi Uwa said he was solidly behind two years tenure as it would enable all political parties and the entire Ebonyi people to demonstrate their civic responsibilities and appealed the House to speedily pass the bill into law.
In his contribution, Hon. Mark Onu, National President Akubaraoha Youth Assembly, said he led the youths in the protest to demand for the reduction of tenure of Local Government chairmen to two years so as to re-awaken developmental consciousness and more participation in governance in the Local government system.
He said the bill if passed into law will go a long way in empowering Ebonyi people.
Also, Comrade Chukwuma Ngwuta of Nigeria Labour Congress said as representative of Civil Society Group, years in service cannot determine ones’ performance rather leadership excellence starts immediately one is given position of authority and that for efficient performance, Local Government tenure should be two years.
Other people who contributed include, former Leader Abakaliki Legislative Council Mrs. Elizabeth Oshianu, NBA Abakaliki branch representative Barr. OgbuewuFerdinard, Mr. Nwibo Chukwuemeka among others.
They said that a visionary leader does not require many years to perform and called for the reduction of three years tenure to two years.
Hon. Innocent Nwankwo, chairman PDP Ezza North Local Government Area, gave the vote of thanks and commended the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for its efforts in passing the bill into law.
