Kaduna Assembly Okays Two-Yr Tenure For LG Chairmen

The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill granting a two-year tenure for elected local government chairmen and councillors.

The Tide reports that the passage of the bill followed the adoption of an executive bill seeking to amend the law governing the local government system, administration and structure.

Mr Gidanmana (PDP-Makera) moved the motion for the passage of the bill and Alhaji Muntaka Zuntu seconded the motion.

The Speaker of the House, Malam Mu’azu Gangara directed the Clerk of the House, Hajiya Umma Hikima, to send a clean copy of the bill to Gov. Patrick Yakowa for his assent.

The bill had passed through the due processes of first, second and third readings as well as the relevant committees’ input.

Mr Peter Adamu, the Chairman of the House Joint Committee on Local Government and Judiciary, had presented the report on July 24.

The report on the bill was unanimously adopted by the House and scheduled for third reading and possible passage last Wednesday, July 25.

In his own submission, Peter Adamu (PDP-Kagarko) had explained that the proposed amendment was meant to substitute the existing Local Government Law No. 13 of 2006.

He said that Section 5 (3A) of the constitution provided that a secretary to local government should serve for the period of two years.

Adamu said that the rule should be applicable to all members of the council.

He added that a local government council would be dissolved at the expiration of its two-year tenure.

The chairman added that Section 145(b) that said a member of a traditional council shall not be allowed to contest for any local council election until he/she resigned at least three months ahead of the poll.

He said that Section 18 (2), as amended provided for penalties to the tune of N50, 000.

The committee also recommended that the composition and structure of the local government system should be in keeping with present realities.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary to September 25.