Delta State Local Government Councils Legislative Leaders’ Forum has solicited enhanced salary structure and welfare packages for Councillors across the 25 local government councils in the state.
Chairman of the forum, Hon Samuel Ekpemupolo made the appeal when he led the leadership and members of the forum on a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor at the State House of Assembly Complex, Asaba, the state capital
.
Hon Ekpemupolo said the appeal became necessary
The Lawmaker who is the Leader of Warri South West Legislative Arm, explained that a fair salary review will not only provide financial stability for the Councillors but also enable them remain focused and committed to duties.
Stressing that Councillors are at the forefront of grassroots governance, serving as the primary link between the government and the people, Ekpemupolo emphasized that with increasing demands of governance and rising costs of living, an adjustment that reflects their critical roles in local administration is urgently required.
y as the present salary structure of Councillors was inadequate to meet the demands of the office and current realities in Nigeria.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker for the opportunity to present critical issues essential to members for effective discharge of responsibilities, assuring him of their irrevocable commitment in fostering development at the grassroots in line with the MORE agenda of the state government.
Ekpemupolo solicited for advocacy and legislative intervention towards the actualization of a Car Loan Scheme for Councillors, Allocation of Constituency Projects, Monthly Payment of Impress as well as Opening and Funding of a Legislative Account in their respective local government councils.
He maintained that Councillors must be well equipped to contribute to the vision of a prosperous and developed Delta State.
Responding, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, congratulated the Leaders for their emergence as presiding officers of the Legislative Arm in the 25 local government councils in the state.
Guwor promised continuous collaboration between the State legislature and Legislators at the Local government level, saying that Delta is among the States in the federation, that has always been in support of Local government autonomy.
Flanked by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowovwo and the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, the Speaker assured the leaders of the Legislative arm that the State House of Assembly will give them necessary support to succeed as legislators at the grassroots.
He urged them to work closely with the Chairmen of their respective councils for a seamless governance, adding that it will go a long way to making great impact of the PDP led government in the State.
The Speaker also promised to interact with Chairmen of Councils to addressing areas of concern of the forum, and commended the Leaders for the visit to the State Assembly.
High point of the visit is presentation of souvenirs.
