Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has signed into law the amended Cross River Local Government Law to mark a significant legislative milestone for the enhancement of grassroots governance and service delivery.
Otu, at the signing ceremony in Calabar, commended the State House of Assembly for its proactive and people-centred legislature.
He also said that the amended law would strengthen representation at the grassroots level and drive meaningful development.
“In no distant time, the difference at the grassroots level will be clear,” the governor assured.
Otu also reflected on the political landscape, adding that he was satisfied with the Assembly’s status as a fully All Progressives Congress (APC) legislature.
He said that with the party now fully in control, unity, and collaboration were imperative to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Similarly, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, highlighted the transformative impact of the amendments, adding that the revised law would accelerate economic development, encourage broader participation in governance, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
Some of the key amendments to the Principal Law included Section 4(4) which increases the number of departments from seven to 12, allowing for a more structured and efficient administration.
Others are Section 5(2) – adjustments in percentages of funds allocated to key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance effectiveness and efficiency; and Section 20(1) which entrusts Vice Chairmen of councils with oversight on humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary matters, as well as sports.
Section 21 mandates that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character, ensuring balanced representation.
Also, Sections 22(3) and 22(6) enhance the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff.
Sections 22(a) and 22(b) provide for the statutory appointment of up to 50 persons per council and introduce the role of Ward Relations Officers, who will serve as Special Assistants in each Council Ward; as well as elevation of Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) to now have the same rank as Permanent Secretaries at the state level, recognising their critical role in local government administration.
