House Of Assembly Lauded For Amending LG Law

By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent

The Head of Cross River State Civil Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng has commended the 10th House of Assembly for the ongoing Amendment of the Local Government Law.

The HoS, who gave the commendation during a Public Hearing on the LG Amendment Bill 2025 held at the Assembly’s Complex, said the proposed amendment of the status of Heads of Local Government Administrators (HOLGAs) to that of Permanent Secretaries was a welcomed development.

Dr. Innocent noted that the gesture will enhance service delivery by LG staff as such appointments will ultimately be at the instance of the state governor in synergy with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and his office.

It would be recalled that the Local Government Amendment Bill 2025 had earlier passed through the First and Second Readings before it was committed to a joint committee of Local Government, Judiciary and Public Accounts for stakeholders’ inputs.

Deliberating on the importance of the Amendment Bill, the Chairman of the House on Local Government, Hon. Eyo Bassey as well as his Judiciary counterpart, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta who doubles as the Deputy Leader of the House, intimated that the Public Hearing was aimed at involving stakeholders in the lawmaking process.

The lawmakers expressed that the amendment will elevate the office of the HOLGA to that of Permanent Secretaries accompanied by full benefits.

Stakeholders at the public hearing suggested, amongst other things, the creation of the office of the Chief of Staff to coordinate other appointees as well as a scheme of service.

Present at the event were several Lawmakers, Auditor General for Local Government, serving and retired HOLGAs as well as other stakeholders.