The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill reviewing the remuneration of local government chairmen, development centre coordinators and other local government political office holders in the state.
The bill was passed on Wednesday in Abakaliki during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Moses Odunwa, following consideration of a letter from Governor Francis Nwifuru.
The review amends the remuneration provisions under Schedules A and C of Law No. 004 of 2008, known as the Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres Regulations and Remunerations for Public and Political Office Holders.
Under the revised remuneration structure, local government chairmen will receive ₦450,000, while vice chairmen will earn ₦400,000 monthly.
Secretaries to the councils will receive ₦240,000, supervisors ₦230,000, while special assistants to the chairmen will earn ₦165,000.
For legislative officials, the new structure provides ₦300,000 for legislative leaders, ₦250,000 for deputy leaders and ₦230,000 for councillors.
Development Centre coordinators will receive ₦277,000, while management committee members will earn ₦266,000.
Presenting the governor’s letter, Speaker Odunwa explained that Schedule A covers the remuneration of local government chairmen, vice-chairmen, supervisors, secretaries and special assistants, while Schedule C provides for legislative leaders, councillors, development centre coordinators and management committee members.
The House Leader, Kingsley Ikoro, said the amendment was within the legislative powers of the state House of Assembly under Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, concerning the structure and administration of local government councils.
Ikoro said the bill was specifically aimed at reviewing the remuneration schedules applicable to the affected public and political office holders.
Following debate on the bill, Ikoro moved a motion for its passage, which was seconded by Ifeanyi Nwakpu, representing Ikwo North Constituency.
The bill was subsequently passed by the House.
The revised remuneration is expected to provide a new statutory framework for the salaries of the affected local government and development centre officials in Ebonyi State.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
