A new constitutional amendment proposal has surfaced in the National Assembly as “the House of Representatives has proposed a bill seeking to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to allow for the creation of additional Local Government Areas, LGAs, in Benue State.”
Lawmakers advanced the process after “the bill has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.”
The draft, listed as “HB2527,” is being championed by “Rep. David Ogewu of the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency (APC).”
It returned to the chamber on “Tuesday, October 28,” where it secured approval for second reading following lengthy arguments on its objectives.
While presenting the motion, Rep. Ogewu insisted that “the proposed amendment would enhance grassroots governance by bringing government closer to the people.”
According to him, Benue’s large population and wide territory make additional councils necessary for balanced development and better administration.
READ ALSO: Benue APC Chairman Urges Residents to Back Alia’s Re-Election
His motion gained the backing of “Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar, representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency,” who praised it as a move that could boost democratic participation and improve services in underserved areas.
Rep. Ogewu also expressed confidence that the amendment would clear the path for more councils, especially in communities within his constituency.
He referenced an earlier bid, recalling that “at the close of his second term in 2007, Senator George Akume, then Governor of Benue State, had made similar but unsuccessful efforts to create more local government areas to enhance administrative efficiency.”
With the second reading concluded, the bill has been transmitted to the “House Committee on Constitutional Review” for deeper scrutiny and subsequent legislative steps.