The Abia State House of Assembly has dismissed speculation that the tenure of local government chairmen will be reduced from four years to two. Deputy Speaker Austin Okezie Meregini addressed the concerns while speaking on FLO 94.9 FM, Umuahia, on Thursday, assuring that no such plan exists.
Meregini explained that the recently proposed Abia State Local Government Administration Bill, 2025 mistakenly included a two-year tenure instead of the existing four-year term. He assured that the error had been identified and would be corrected during the legislative review process. He also emphasized that any potential changes to tenure, if ever considered, would only apply after the current chairmen complete their terms.
The Deputy Speaker’s statement comes amid concerns among local government chairmen, many of whom had feared that their tenure might be shortened through legislative amendments. Meregini reassured them that the Assembly remains committed to upholding the integrity of the local government system and respecting the existing structures.
Regarding local government finances, he refuted claims that the proposed bill aimed to reduce allocations. He clarified that the Assembly’s role is strictly legislative oversight, ensuring proper expenditure and revenue generation without interfering with the financial entitlements of the local councils.
His clarification aims to ease tensions and reassure local government officials that their tenure and financial allocations remain unchanged. The Assembly, he stated, remains focused on strengthening governance at the local level while ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration.
