Why LG autonomy bill failed at State ‘Assemblies –Delta Councilors

Legislators at Local Government Councils in Delta State under the auspices of Delta State Councilors’ Forum have blamed the inability of the proposed Local Government autonomy bill from sailing through in the State Houses of Assembly on “the presumed immaturity within the councils’ administration”, even as they challenged all lawmakers at Local Government level to stand united to defend their constitutional rights.

This position was made known by Chairman of Delta State Councilors’ Forum, Hon. Kema Egenu Thursday 3, 2015 in Warri during day-one of the councilors’ sensitization movement to the three senatorial districts in Delta State.

Hon. Egenu, who is also Leader of Oshimili North Legislative Arm, posited that one way councilors can exhibit maturity is by towing party lines, insisting that no individual is above the structure of the party under which he or she secured mandate for electoral office.

He canvassed for mutual working relationship between Local Government Chairmen and Councilors, saying it is vital for good governance at the grassroots.

While calling on lawmakers at the third tier of government to exploit all avenues to actualize their struggle for justice, Hon. Egenu tasked councilors to lay more emphasis on mutual co-existence amongst them, as they work in collaboration with the executive arm to aid the smooth running of the councils.

The councilors described the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s SMART agenda as a ray of hope for Delta State and commended the governor for setting up a Peace Building and Advisory Council for sustenance of peace in the State.

Secretary of the State Councilors’ Forum, Hon. Richard Pessu while appraising the activities of the body, noted that reasonable progress have been made by them to plead with the State Governor to harmonize tax deduction with the Delta State Internal Revenue Board as it affects the grassroots legislators as well as remittance of their taxes.

Hon. Pessu, who is Deputy Leader of Warri South Legislature Arm enumerated efforts made by the leadership of the State Councilors’ Forum towards bolstering the welfare of its members and enhance governance at the third tier of government.

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