Governor Bassey Edet Otu Signs Into Law Cross River State Local Government Amendment Bill 2025

The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu Monday in Calabar signed into law the Cross River State Local Government Amendment Bill 2025.

The Bill which seeks to expand governance and endangered inclusivity at the local government level aims to facilitate lots of positive developments to the third tier of government as well as fast-rack economic growth. Other positive indices of the Bill includes, broader and greater participation as well as enhance effective and efficient service delivery at the local government level.

Some major sections of the Principal Law amended include; section 4(4)increment of departments from 7 to 12, section 5(2) readjustment of percentages of funds expected from the Local Government Councils to key MDAs to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, section 20(1) entrusting the responsibilities of humanitarian affairs, peace and conflict resolution, border and boundary issues as well as Sports to the Vice Chairmen of Councils and section 21 which specifies that all appointments into Executive Councils must reflect Federal Character.

Other sections amended are; 22(3) and (6) which strengthens the offices of the Secretary of Council and the Clerk of the Legislative Council with additional staff. Section 22(a) and 22(b) which provides for statutory appointments of not more than 50 persons as well as the appointment of Ward Relations Officers with the status of Special Assistants for each Council Ward.

Also amended are sections 33(3) stipulating the appointments approved for the Leaders (Including a Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary) and Deputy Leaders of Councils as well as sections 45(A, B and C) on the establishment of office of HOLGAs, criteria for appointments and cessation of office. 

It will be recalled that shortly after it legislative surgery with a view to calibrate even development at the tier of government closest to rural dwellers, the Bill became a model in Nigeria with many states of the federation seeking to implement same radical constitutional amendments that will ultimately christine a new socioeconomic and political narrative.