By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Local Government Councils Legislative Leaders’ Forum has called for an enhanced salary structure and welfare package for councillors across the 25 local government councils in the state.
Chairman of the forum, Hon. Samuel Ekpemupolo, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, at the Assembly Complex in Asaba, the state capital.
Hon. Ekpemupolo noted that the current salary structure for councillors was insufficient to meet the demands of their office and the rising costs of living. As the Leader of the Warri South West Legislative Arm, he emphasized that a salary review would ensure financial stability, enabling councillors to remain focused and committed to their duties.
“Councillors play a critical role in grassroots governance as the primary link between the government and the people,” Ekpemupolo said. He stressed the need for adjustments in their remuneration to reflect their contributions to local administration amidst increasing governance demands.
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker for the opportunity to present issues affecting councillors and assured him of their commitment to fostering grassroots development in alignment with the state government’s MORE agenda.
The forum also requested legislative intervention on key issues, including:
- Establishing a car loan scheme for councillors
- Allocating constituency projects
- Providing monthly impress payments
- Opening and funding legislative accounts in local government councils
Ekpemupolo maintained that well-equipped councillors would significantly contribute to Delta State’s vision of prosperity and development.
In response, Speaker Guwor congratulated the leaders on their roles as presiding officers in their respective councils. He reiterated the state legislature’s commitment to supporting local government legislators and emphasized the state’s consistent advocacy for local government autonomy.
Flanked by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowovwo and Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, Guwor assured the councillors of collaboration between the State Assembly and local government legislators.
He encouraged councillors to work closely with their council chairmen for seamless governance, stating that such cooperation would enhance the impact of the PDP-led government in the state.
The Speaker also pledged to engage council chairmen on the forum’s concerns and commended the councillors for their proactive visit to the State Assembly.
