By Precious W. Ahiakwo
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Hon. Prince Isaac Umejuru, Executive Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), has kick started a 3-day orientation training for the newly elected members of the legislative council in Port Harcourt. The training is designed to provide councillors with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their legislative functions.
During his address, Hon. Umejuru emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork, encouraging councillors to balance their legislative duties with ongoing personal development. He reassured them of the council’s commitment to working closely with the legislative body to achieve the common goal of serving the community.
Ahiakwo Christian, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and facilitator at the training, noted that most of the councillors were new to legislative processes. He highlighted that the workshop would help them understand their responsibilities and legislative boundaries, focusing on areas such as market management, cemeteries, and tenement rates.
Christian further emphasized the role of the committee system in overseeing executive functions, suggesting that councillors use it to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. He also advocated for a cooperative relationship between the legislative and executive arms, encouraging lobbying as a constructive approach to achieve their goals.
Professor Fidelis Allen, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt, delivered a lecture on fiscal responsibility and local government autonomy. He urged the councillors to use fiscal autonomy to address grassroots needs, stressing the importance of accountability and adherence to legal frameworks.
The training represents a significant effort to enhance the capacity of the ONELGA legislative council, equipping councillors with the tools they need to serve their constituents effectively.