01/08/2026
OFFICE OF THE SSA ON LEGAL MATTERS DRIVES CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ABIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEGISLATORS
In line with the commitment of the administration of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR Alex C. Otti , to strengthen institutions and deepen grassroots governance, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, in collaboration with the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission, successfully organised a one-day Capacity Building Seminar for Local Government Legislators across the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.
The seminar, themed "Strengthening Local Government Legislative Capacity for Effective Grassroots Governance in Abia State," brought together councillors and legislative officials to equip them with the knowledge and practical skills required to make quality laws, strengthen oversight functions, and promote effective governance at the grassroots.
Declaring the seminar open on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu Office of The Deputy Governor of Abia State emphasized the importance of continuous legislative training for local government lawmakers. He described quality legislation as the foundation of democracy and advocated mandatory orientation and capacity-building programmes for all newly elected councillors within the first quarter of their inauguration. His proposal received unanimous approval through a voice vote.
The programme forms part of the Office's commitment to supporting legal reforms and strengthening legislative institutions at the local government level through strategic partnerships and continuous engagement.
Speaking during the seminar, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mrs. Nkolika Cleopatra, stressed that properly drafted, legally compliant, and people-oriented bye-laws are essential to effective local government administration. She encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the seminar to improve their legislative competence, strengthen accountability, and deliver better governance to their communities.
The Secretary of the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission, Barr. Dave Okwum Kalu, noted that the initiative was inspired by the Commission's ongoing review and documentation of local government bye-laws, which highlighted the need to improve legislative drafting and law-making capacity among councillors. He urged participants to adopt a "train-the-trainer" approach by sharing the knowledge acquired with colleagues in their various legislative councils.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, Ikechukwu Uwanna commended Governor Otti's commitment to institutional development and capacity building, while the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu , described the seminar as timely and advocated regular training for local government legislators.
Representing the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke highlighted the importance of equipping councillors with the skills needed for legislative drafting, budget analysis, oversight, and public accountability.
Former Deputy Governor of Abia State and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, delivered the keynote address, stressing that effective grassroots governance depends on strong and well-informed legislative councils. Constitutional law scholar Dr. Udo Ugochukwu also presented a paper on the strategic role of local government legislators in advancing grassroots governance and development.
The seminar featured technical sessions on the legal framework for local government legislation, legislative drafting, and practical law-making, reinforcing the shared commitment of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters and the Abia State Law Reform and Review Commission to strengthening local government legislative institutions and advancing good governance across Abia State.
