AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL INTO LAW

Below is remarks by the Honourable Speaker of the Assembly after the passage of the Bill.
REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. ONOFIOK LUKE, AFTER THE PASSING INTO LAW OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION BILL 2017 TODAY THURSDAY 29, 2017
Dear distinguished colleagues, I am happy with the progress that we have made so far on the Local Government (Administrative) Bill. The law we have just passed is a step in the right direction. It stresses our commitment to upholding our democratic values through strengthening the very institutions which define our democracy.
Suffice it to say that the local government administration law is a fundamental legal document which will consolidate the efforts of government towards the delivery of good governance at the grassroots. The 6th Assembly is conscious of the myriads of challenges plaguing our local government administration system in Nigeria in general and Akwa Ibom state in particular. These challenges call for nothing but serious legislative reforms. It is therefore in this direction that we have made a step today.
Dear colleagues, as always, we have today acted as a legislature in accordance with Section 4 (7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which empowers the House of Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the state or any part thereof.
It is important to note that this law repeals the Local Government (Administration) amendment Law of 2007 which is outdated and not capable of addressing the current issues in our local government administration system. Of a truth, there are emerging trends that have necessitated the passage of this bill into law.
We are emboldened today to pass this bill into law by the preparedness of the Akwa Ibom state Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections into local government councils as indicated in the issuance of the notice for election. It is imperative therefore that we lay the legislative framework upon which these local governments can operate after the elections.
The Local Government (Administration) Law when fully implemented will give legal impetus to Section 7 (1) of the Constitution which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local governments in the state through the enactment of a law by the House of Assembly ensuring their establishment, composition, structure, functions and finance. The law will ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of local government for the benefit of the people at the grassroots in the state. It is our collective belief that innovations in the new law will be to the best interest of our people. For instance, Akwa Ibom people will now be able to have direct access to their local government officials as the law has made it mandatory for elected officials to reside in their respective local government areas.
Let me use this opportunity to again commend the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, for finally expressing their readiness and yielding to the call of the people and this house, to conduct elections into our local government councils come November 11 this year as stated by them. As you would recall, it was our collective resolve that this honourable house was going to hold his Excellency the Governor by his promise that elections into the third tier of government was going to hold this year.
On this note, we commend the partnership effort of the state executive with this house in this regard. This promise, as underscored by an appropriation for AKISIEC in the 2017 budget, was the basis upon which we approved the extension of the tenure of the local government committees earlier this year.
This House therefore appreciates His Excellency the Governor for rising to the occasion to ensure that elections into local councils are held this year. It is our firm belief that this law will serve as a legal compass for the conduct of the local government elections and future elections.
I must commend the sponsors of this law and chairman house committee on local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere, as well as co-sponsors of the law for conceiving this idea and delivering same timeously. Let me use this opportunity too to appreciate the executive council as represented by the state Attorney General and the commissioners for justice as well as the commissioner for chieftaincy affairs, and other stakeholders and members of the public who turned out enmasse to make contributions to the bill at the public hearing which was held by the committee.
It is important to point out that the upholding of our democratic values, the strengthening of our democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law remains the fundamental task which we have committed ourselves to achieve as a legislative body. This House will stop at nothing to align itself at all times with what is right, what is just, what is of good report and what is of greater good to our people.
Thank you and God bless you all.