A measure to modify the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution to permit the establishment of more Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State has been introduced by the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives has approved the bill on its second reading.
Rep. David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC) is the sponsor of the bill, which is registered as HB2527.
On Tuesday, October 28, it was put up for second reading, and after much discussion over its general principles, it passed.
Rep. Ogewu made the motion for the bill’s second reading, claiming that by bringing the government closer to the people, the proposed modification would improve grassroots governance.
He pointed out that Benue needs more local councils for fair development and effective governance due to its large area and expanding population.
Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, who represents the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, seconded the resolution, endorsing it as a move toward strengthening democracy and enhancing rural areas’ access to services.
Rep. Ogewu expressed hope that if the bill were to become law, it would open the door for more LGAs to be established in Benue, especially in his constituency.
Additionally, he recalled that near the end of his second term in 2007, Senator George Akume, who was the governor of Benue State at the time, had attempted, but failed, to increase the number of local government areas in order to improve administrative efficiency.
For more legislative action, the bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review.
