From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Councillors in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have reaffirmed support for people-oriented by-laws, by abolishing “inhumane” pensions by-law amidst achievements in their first legislative year.
Leader of the Legislative Assembly Miss Stella Nte, representing Unyeada Ward 6, said the welfare of the people remained the major focus of the present administration.
Attributing achievements to robust synergy with the executive chairman of the council, she noted that in one year, the legislative arm of the third tier of government has successfully abolished some stringent by-laws that were inimical to development in the Andoni area council.
The councillor cited the “political office holders’ post service law” as one of such inhumane by-laws that have currently been abolished by serving councillors.
“The inhumane pensions law was abolished following an executive bill sponsored by the council Chairman, Mr Erastus Awortu, with an intent to ending pensions originally approved for past elected local government chairmen and some principle political officers,” she expressed.
“However, ‘Political office holders’ post service and other benefits prohibition bye-law No.1, 2021, was passed into law abolishing the former law and giving no pensions approval for political office holders in the council.
“This fate, no doubt, has enabled the council to channel resources to more impactful projects as visibly seen in the area of road construction, water supply and other projects initiated by the present administration.”
The councillor also noted that the ‘Conservation of Andoni forest and wildlife bye-law No1., 2022, which seeks to prohibit pouching and boost wildlife conservation, as well as Andoni Local Government Council Revenue by-law No. 2, 2022, was also passed within one year.
Others were the successful passage of the 2022 Andoni Local Government Council Budget entitled, “Budget of Freedom”, with a special focus on the ongoing construction of Asarama road and the construction of a concrete bridge in Unyeada Community, all in the area council.
The house leader also expressed satisfaction over project delivery by the Awortu-led administration which included the reopening of the Ngo General Hospital which was shut down during the past administration.
“We embarked on a tour of projects by this administration and we are impressed by the level of successful delivery recorded in terms of the upgrade of facilities at the hospital, Legislative Assembly building, potable water supply and construction of roads/culverts amidst others achievements across communities.”