Ebonyi Reviews Pay for LG Chairmen, DC Coordinators

The Ebonyi House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the remuneration of Local Government (LG) Chairmen and Development Centre (DC) Coordinators across the state.

The review was affected on Wednesday during plenary in Abakaliki, presided over by Speaker Chief Moses Odunwa.

Odunwa explained that the review falls under Schedules A and C of Law No. 004 of 2008, as amended — known as the Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres Regulations and Remunerations for Public and Political Office Holders. Presenting a letter from Governor Francis Nwifuru to the House, the Speaker clarified that Schedule A covers the remuneration of LGA Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Supervisors, Secretaries, and Special Assistants (SAs) to the Chairmen.

"Schedule C covers the remuneration of legislative leaders, deputy leaders, councillors, DC coordinators and management committee members," he said. "LGA chairmen will now earn N450,000, vice chairmen — N400,000, secretaries — N240,000, supervisors — N230,000 and SAs to chairmen — N165,000. Legislative leaders will earn N300,000, deputy leaders — N250,000, councillors — N230,000, DC coordinators — N277,000, and management committee members — N266,000."

Constitutional Basis for the Amendment

House Leader Chief Kingsley Ikoro cited Section 7 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution (as amended) as empowering state houses of assembly to legislate on matters concerning the structure and administration of LGAs. "This bill is therefore specifically focused on the review and amendment of the remuneration schedules applicable to the affected public and political office holders," he said.

Following intensive debate among members, Ikoro moved a motion for the passage of the bill, which was seconded by Mr Ifeanyi Nwakpu (APC — Ikwo North).

Speaker Commends Governor's Welfare Initiatives

Speaker Odunwa thanked members for their thorough debate on the bill, assuring that the House would continue enacting laws in the overall interest of the people. "I commend Gov. Nwifuru for continually initiating policies aimed at improving the welfare of the people and strengthening grassroots administration. The house will continue partnering with the executive arm of government to advance the present administration's People's Charter of Needs agenda," he said.

He subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Blessing Edene, to communicate the passage of the amended bill to the governor.