News
C’River assembly moves to amend LG law
By Francesca Hangeior
The Cross River State House of Assembly has initiated the amendment process for the Local Government Law 2007, proposing an increase in political appointments across Local Government Areas.
The bill, sponsored by Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency, was debated on Tuesday in Calabar.
It seeks to raise the number of appointees in each LGA to 50, introducing 16 Special Adviser positions and a new cadre of officials referred to as Ward Relation Officers.
According to the bill: “The Chairman of Council may appoint such a number of Special Advisers to assist him in the discharge of his duties, provided that appointments, when added to other statutory appointments, shall not exceed a total number of 50.”
The proposed Ward Relation Officers will hold ranks equivalent to Special Advisers and will report directly to the Chairmen of their respective LGAs.
Another key provision in the amendment seeks to elevate the office of the Head of Local Government Administration to the status of a Permanent Secretary within the state public service.
The bill stipulates that HOLGAs will enjoy all rights, privileges, and entitlements associated with Permanent Secretaries, including pensions.
“The office of the HOLGA shall be equivalent to the office of a Permanent Secretary of the State Public Service and shall enjoy all rights and privileges of the Permanent Secretary, including pensions,” the bill stated.
It also mandates that appointments to the HOLGA position must be sourced exclusively from within the local government service in the state.
Having passed its first and second readings, the bill has been referred to a joint committee on Local Government Affairs, Judiciary, and Public
Accounts for further deliberations and stakeholder consultations.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem emphasised the importance of the amendment in strengthening local government administration.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The federal government has endorsed the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic in Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The decision was part of the government’s drive to ensure that every state in the country had at least one federal polytechnic.
The approval of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic was conveyed in a letter dated January 9, 2025, by the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
It was addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Minister’s office confirmed receipt of the letter on January 16, 2025.
In the correspondence, Dr. Alausa urged Wike to identify suitable locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent sites of the polytechnic.
A joint team from the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education have been listed to inspect the proposed locations before finalizing the site selection.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal Polytechnic is expected to boost technological education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship development, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing technical skills and economic empowerment across Nigeria. [With GWG report]
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reports that the fire incident at its Buguma Wellhead 008, operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Eighteen Operating Ltd (NEOL), was directly caused by the activities of pipeline vandals attempting to compromise the Christmas Tree and steal crude oil.
This unfortunate act of sabotage, which also resulted in severe damage to the well’s back pressure valve, reflects a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks on wellheads in the zone. Since March 2023, crude oil theft on this asset has been persistent, with criminals now resorting to extreme measures, including the use of dynamite to destroy installations and illegally access hydrocarbons.
NNPC Ltd remains committed to combating these fires and mitigating the financial losses associated with these criminal activities, which place a significant burden on the nation’s economy. The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to put an end to these acts of vandalism.
Additionally, NNPC Ltd reaffirms its commitment to supporting communities affected by these destructive activities and will continue to provide necessary relief efforts to mitigate the impact on those affected.
Olufemi O. Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja
20th January, 2025
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