Gov. Otti Pushes Mandatory Training for Abia LG Legislators to Deepen Grassroots Democracy.

Gov. Otti Pushes Mandatory Training for Abia LG Legislators to Deepen Grassroots Democracy.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called for mandatory orientation and capacity-building programmes for newly elected local government legislators as part of efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance at the grassroots.

The governor’s position was conveyed on Friday by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, during a one-day capacity-building seminar for local government legislators organised by the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The proposal received unanimous approval from participants through a voice vote, with councillors agreeing that legislative orientation should become compulsory within the first quarter after the inauguration of every new local government legislative council in the state.

The seminar, themed “Strengthening Local Government Legislative Capacity for Effective Grassroots Governance in Abia State,” attracted mayors, councillors, legislative officers, legal practitioners, government officials and other stakeholders from the state’s 17 local government areas.

Declaring the event open, Emetu said effective grassroots governance depends on competent legislators, strong institutions and quality legislation. He explained that an ongoing review of bye-laws across the 17 local government areas had exposed significant gaps in legislative capacity, including obsolete laws, weak legislative procedures and poor understanding of constitutional responsibilities.

According to him, the shortcomings have affected accountability, oversight and service delivery at the local government level, making continuous training for councillors imperative.

He urged councillors to improve their knowledge of legislative procedures, lawmaking, budget scrutiny and oversight, stressing that local government legislative councils must become effective partners in development and accountability.

Emetu also encouraged the legislators to enact people-oriented bye-laws capable of protecting vulnerable groups, promoting economic development, preserving public order and addressing the specific needs of their communities. He noted that quality legislation should emerge through proper legislative procedures, public consultation and adherence to constitutional provisions.

Representing the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke said many councillors assume office without sufficient knowledge of legislative processes, public financial management and oversight functions, resulting in weak councils and ineffective bye-laws.

He said regular training would equip legislators to make relevant laws, strengthen oversight of local government executives, ensure budgets reflect the needs of the people and enhance transparency in governance. He commended Governor Otti for supporting the initiative and called for sustained capacity-building programmes.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission, Barr. Dave Okwum Kalu, described the seminar as the first state-wide training programme dedicated to local government legislators in Abia State.

He said the programme was prompted by the Commission’s ongoing review of existing bye-laws, which revealed the need to improve legislative drafting and lawmaking skills among councillors.

Presenting the lead paper, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), highlighted the importance of legislative competence, proper drafting procedures and public participation in the lawmaking process.

He also outlined provisions of the Abia State Local Government Administration Law 2025 designed to strengthen transparency through digital financial management, electronic personnel records, online publication of financial reports and transparent procurement processes.

Uwanna described the seminar as a reflection of Governor Otti’s commitment to institutional reforms and continuous capacity development.

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  In separate remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barr. Mrs. Nkolika Cleopatra Ubani, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, described the programme as a significant investment in democratic governance and urged that similar training be extended to all councillors across the state.
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Delivering the keynote address, former Deputy Governor and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, said strong legislative councils are essential for effective grassroots governance.

He urged the government to institutionalise regular training for councillors to enhance lawmaking, representation and oversight.

Constitutional law scholar, Dr. Udo Ugochukwu, who presented a paper on the strategic role of local government legislators, called on councillors to prioritise community-driven legislation, strengthen oversight and promote responsible representation to improve transparency and service delivery.

The seminar featured technical sessions on legislative drafting, practical lawmaking and the preparation of model bye-laws, alongside interactive discussions involving participants from all 17 local government areas of Abia State.

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