House of Reps Moves to Establish Additional LGAs in Benue State

A bill to alter the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution to permit the establishment of more Local Government Areas, or LGAs, in Benue State has been submitted by the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives has approved the bill’s second reading.

Representative David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC) is the bill’s sponsor. It is registered as HB2527.

On Tuesday, October 28, it was put up for second reading, and after much discussion over its general principles, it was approved.

Rep. Ogewu made the motion for the bill’s second reading, arguing that by bringing the government closer to the people, the proposed modification will improve grassroots governance.

He pointed out that Benue needs more local councils for fair development and effective governance because of its large landmass and expanding population.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, who represents the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, seconded the resolution, viewing it as a step toward strengthening democracy and enhancing rural areas’ access to services.

Rep. Ogewu expressed hope that the bill will open the door for the establishment of more LGAs in Benue, especially in his area, if it were to become law.

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, if unsuccessfully, to increase the number of local government areas in order to improve administrative efficiency.

For additional legislative action, the bill has now been forwarded to the House Committee on Constitutional Review.