Ebonyi State House of Assembly has commenced legislative action on a bill aimed at regulating residential and business rents across the state.
The bill entitled “A Bill for a Law to Control the Rent, Residential and Business Premises in Ebonyi State and Other Matters Connected Therewith”(HAB/005/2025), was sent to the House by the Governor and passed its second reading on Friday.
Leading the debate, the Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, moved the motion for the bill to proceed to second reading. The motion was seconded by Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, representing Ikwo North Constituency.
Hon. Ikoro described the bill as people-oriented and timely, noting that a significant number of court cases in the state stem from landlord-tenant disputes, stating that the bill would help regulate these relationships and curb exploitation.
“Most times, when you go to rent a building, you’re asked to pay for two years, only to discover hidden charges. It’s burdensome for the people,” Ikoro said, urging colleagues to support the smooth passage of the bill.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo, representing Ebonyi North, described the rent situation in the state as worrisome, saying landlords have contributed to the growing poverty among tenants. He also highlighted the disconnect between landlords, caretakers, and tenants.
Other lawmakers echoed similar concerns and called for the bill to be forwarded to a committee for thorough deliberation, affirming that the legislation, once passed, would serve the interests of Ebonyi residents and help resolve recurring rent-related conflicts.
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In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije-Odunwa, announced the constitution of an ad-hoc committee to review the bill.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, was appointed chairman, where other members include, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro (Leader of the House), Hon. Nkemka Onuma, Rt. Hon. Arinze Chukwu, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North), Hon. Chikaodili Nome (Ezza North), Chief Whip Hon. Nkemka Onuma, Hon. Chinyere Nwogbaga (Ebonyi North East), and the Clerk of the House as secretary.
In another development, the Speaker also noted that the plenary marked the Assembly’s two-year anniversary, praising the commitment of members and the Governor in driving legislative progress.
According to him, “I want to thank everybody and ask us to continue to give our 100% support to the Governor, especially on developments like the establishment of the National Institute in Ukawu,” he stated.
As part of the commemoration, members including Hon. Victor Nwoke representing Abakaliki North Constituency and Hon. Celestine Ogba representing Onicha East Constituency among other lawmakers presented their achievements highlighting projects and initiatives carried out in their constituencies over the last two years.
