By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved over N500 million for the conduct of local government elections in the state.

The council election Is slated for July 20, 2024 by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC).

The approval by members of the House took place at the Legislative Complex, in Abakaliki during the House plenary on Wednesday.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, in his address disclosed that the money approved covers election materials, payment of ad-hoc Staff of the Commission, post-election retreat, and other miscellaneous expenditures.

He explained that the forthcoming Council election would foster the smooth running of the third tier of government down to rural areas.

He commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, for his magnanimity in making sure that the council Election will be conducted in the state, not minding the current economic reality.

In his part, the deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Lucas Chukwu, representing Ishielu South State Constituency, and his Ivo counterpart Chief Onyebuchi Ogbadu stated that the election is already around the corner and falls within their statutory obligations and called on others to pay more attention in supporting the passage.

Other members who supported the financial approval include Hon. Chikezie Igu representing Ohaozara East and Hon. Godwin Abiri representing Izzi West State constituencies.