The House of Representatives has passed for a second reading a bill proposing that a first-degree qualification be made the minimum requirement for candidates seeking the office of local government chairman, among other provisions.
The bill, introduced by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and co-sponsored by eight other lawmakers, was one of 42 bills presented for second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session.
According to the bill’s explanatory memorandum, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Constitution to provide a comprehensive overhaul of the legal and administrative structure governing local government councils.
The primary goal of the bill is to establish a stronger legal framework aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of local governments. The bill is designed to promote efficient service delivery, transparency, accountability, and bolster democratic values at the grassroots level.
A draft of the bill obtained by our correspondent reveals that Section 7 of the Principal Act is being amended. The revised Section 7 outlines that: “Each local government shall have a democratically elected chairman and vice-chairman, who shall be eligible for election if they are an indigene of the local government, are at least 25 years old, and have attained at least a first degree or its equivalent.”
Further, the bill stipulates that a person elected as chairman must not assume office until they have declared their assets and liabilities as required by the Constitution and sworn an Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office before the Chief Judge of the State or a designated representative.
In addition, Section 7(1b) specifies that “An election for the office of chairman shall be scheduled by the responsible electoral body, occurring no less than 150 days and no more than 30 days before the expiration of the previous holder’s term.”
The bill also clarifies the election process: “A candidate will be considered duly elected if they are the sole nominee submitted for election. If there are multiple candidates, the person with the majority of valid votes will be elected.”
The tenure for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Council members is set at four years, with eligibility for one additional four-year term, as outlined in Section 7C of the bill.
Section 7D of the bill also addresses the removal of a Chairman or Vice-Chairman from office. It states that if at least one-third of the Local Government Legislative Council members submit a written notice accusing the officeholder of gross misconduct, an investigation will be initiated.
