By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State House of Assembly has commenced a public hearing on the bill to amend the Local Government Law, 2008. The hearing, which began on Wednesday, aims to strengthen local governance and ensure that the laws guiding local government operations are aligned with current realities and needs.
Speaker Alhaji Muhammad Usman emphasized the importance of reviewing the existing law to address present and future challenges. The bill seeks to enhance local government capacity, improve financial autonomy, tenure of office, and promote transparency and accountability.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Salihu Muhammad, assured of accelerated passage to enable incoming LG chairmen and councilors to enjoy a three-year tenure elongation.
Stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad, presented submissions, highlighting issues such as the mandatory payment of non-refundable fees and the need for appeal provisions to the Federal Court of Appeal.
The public hearing is a step towards amending the Local Government Law to ensure effective and responsive local governance in Kebbi State.
