The Ebonyi House of Assembly has passed a bill amending the remuneration of local government chairmen and development centres coordinators.

The review took place on Wednesday in Abakaliki during the house plenary presided over by the speaker, Moses Odunwa.

Mr Odunwa said the review was under Schedules A and C of Law No. 004 of 2008 as amended,  known as the Ebonyi State Local Government Councils and Development Centres Regulations and Remunerations for Public and Political Office Holders.

Presenting a letter from Governor Francis Nwifuru to the house, the speaker explained that Schedule A covered the remuneration of LGA chairmen, vice chairmen, supervisors, secretaries, and special assistants to the chairmen.

“Schedule C covers the remuneration of legislative leaders, deputy leaders, councillors, DC coordinators and management committee members. LGA chairmen will now earn N450,000, vice chairmen—N400,000, secretaries—N240,000, supervisors—N230,000 and SAs to chairmen—N165,000. Legislative leaders will earn N300,000, deputy leaders—N250,000, councillors—N230,000, DC coordinators—N277,000, and management committee members—N266,000,” he said.

The house leader, Kingsley Ikoro, said the amended Section 7 of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution empowers state houses of assembly to legislate on matters concerning the structure and administration of LGAs.

“This bill is therefore, specifically focused on the review and amendment of the remuneration schedules applicable to the affected public and political office holders,” he said.

After intensive debate, Mr Ikoro moved a motion to pass the bill, which Mr Ifeanyi Nwakpu (APC—Ikwo North) seconded.

(NAN)