Abia Deputy Speaker Clarifies: Local Government Tenure Remains Four Years, Not Two

The Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini (Ugolee), has clarified the tenure of elected mayors and councillors in the state, affirming that it remains four years, not two.

Addressing concerns over an alleged two-year term in the bill currently under legislative review, Rt. Hon. Meregini, who also serves as the House Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity and official Spokesperson of the 8th Assembly, emphasized that any reference to a two-year tenure was an error.

He reassured the public of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR’s commitment to integrity and consistency in governance, stating:

“Anyone who may have come across a two-year tenure in the bill should understand that it was a mistake. I want to make it clear that the tenure remains four years. Governor Otti is a man of principle who does not shift the goalpost midway.”

The Deputy Speaker further explained that the bill has only passed its second reading and will proceed to the committee stage next week, where all details will be thoroughly examined.

“I have addressed this issue on multiple media platforms, and I am using this opportunity to reaffirm that once the bill is passed into law, the tenure will be officially set at four years not two,” he stated.

With this clarification, Rt. Hon. Meregini has dispelled any speculations, reinforcing the Abia State government’s commitment to transparent governance and due legislative process.