A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to provide for the creation of additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Gombe State has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by the Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), and seconded by Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, was overwhelmingly supported by members during plenary on Tuesday.
Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Kumo said the proposal seeks to bring governance closer to the people and enhance administrative efficiency in Gombe State.
He noted that the state, currently with 11 LGAs, has experienced rapid population growth and increasing demands for infrastructure, service delivery, and representation, which justify the creation of additional councils.
“This constitutional amendment will help bridge the gap between the government and the governed in Gombe State,” Kumo stated. “It aligns with the principles of federalism and equitable distribution of resources.”
Hon. El-Rasheed, in his contribution, emphasized the importance of local governance in addressing grassroots challenges, adding that the bill reflects the yearnings of constituents.
Several lawmakers across party lines expressed support for the bill, describing it as timely and necessary for deepening democracy and promoting development.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
If passed at the committee and plenary levels, the bill will require the approval of two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly to become law, as stipulated by the constitutional amendment process.
