Mr Ayambem said that the revised law would accelerate economic development, encourage broader participation in governance, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
By News Agency of Nigeria
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has commended the one-party status of the state’s legislature for its capability of enhancing unity and collaboration for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mr Otu made the remark on Tuesday in Calabar while signing into law the amended Cross River Local Government law, aimed at enhancing grassroots governance and service delivery in the state.
Speaking on the amended law, Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, highlighted the transformative impact of the amendments.
Mr Ayambem said that the revised law would accelerate economic development, encourage broader participation in governance, and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.
He said that some key amendments to the principal law included “Section 4(4), which increases the number of departments from seven to twelve, allowing for a more structured and efficient administration.’’
He said that Section 5(2) adjusted the percentages of funds allocated to key ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
Mr Ayambem further said that Section 20(1) entrusted the vice chairmen of councils with oversight on humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary matters, as well as sports, among others.
Reacting to the governor’s comment on one-party legislature, Richard Inoyo, Country Director, Citizens’ Solution Network, “Richard Inoyo, said the development was a sad one.
According to him, the whole celebration of a mono-party system in the state legislature is dangerous since there will be no effective and objective analysis of the government’s policies.
He said that for effective running of the state, opposition was needed and laws would be reviewed in accordance with what the people in society truly need.
The All Progressive Congress now holds all 25 seats in the assembly after the defection of some People’s Democratic Party members to the APC.
Only Rita Ayim, who won the Ogoja Constituency seat under the PDP, did not move but was removed by the court.