Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday inaugurated the 17 Local Government (LG) Transition Council Chairmen with a charge to evolve programmes that aligned with the rebuilding agenda of the government.
Speaking during the event at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti charged the newly sworn in officers to prioritise the security and welfare of the people of Abia as they pilot the affairs of the LG councils.
“Your first task as leaders of the various LGAs shall include strengthening the security architecture in the towns and villages within your domain, especially as the yuletide approaches.
“As we have said on many occasions, no part of Abia, not an inch, shall be ceded to any group of criminals, whether they are armed robbers, kidnappers or any individual or group, whose actions threaten the peace in our communities,” he added.
Otti said that the government was working with multiple stakeholders to develop a robust framework for addressing the critical challenges facing the citizens.
The governor added that it was desirous to accommodate the local government as new strategic partners in developing the state.
He described the swearing in as a strategic step toward meeting developmental needs of the state, adding that it would further enable the government to harness the numerous opportunities that abound in Abia.
Otti said that he was delighted that the chairmen and their deputies had accepted to serve the people with their extensive wealth of experience in various fields of human endeavours.
“To the new mayors and deputies, may I remind you that this is a call to serve and not to be served.
“We do not expect you to get everything right on the first day but you must be willing to learn, keep your mind open to new ideas and possibilities.
“While the state will give each of you the freehand to manage the affairs of the council responsibly, it is very important to design your programmes in ways that align with the general development philosophy of the present Labour Party Administration in the state,” Otti said.
He further said that the government had made deliberate efforts to create a system that would guarantee the safety of life and property in the state.
“So far, the efforts have been very fruitful because as many observers have noted, Abia has become one of the safest places to reside in, travel to or set up a thriving business enterprise,” he added.
The governor also urged the newly sworn in officers to make the local communities and towns to be conducive for active production and rapid economic growth.
According to him, the government expects the chairmen to quickly develop holistic frameworks for improving agriculture and light scale production in ways that will enhance outputs and attract investors to the state.
He urged the new chairmen to guard against distractions and needless power tussles as well as remain conscious of the fact that they had been called to serve the people.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, said that the present administration was focused on facilitating event spread of socioeconomic growth in the local government areas.
Nwachukwu said that the transition council chairmen had been appointed based on their pedigree and that he was confident that they would live up to expectation.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the transition council chairman for IsialaNgwa South LGA, Dr Elelenta Elelenta, thanked the government for the opportunity to serve the people.
Elelenta promised that that they would discharge their duties with unwavering commitment and dedication.
The chairmen include; Aba North LGA: Mr John Udeagbala; Aba South LGA: Mr Uchechukwu Wogu; Arochukwu LGA, Chief Joe Eze Aru; Bende LGA; Mr Chijioke Nwankwo; Ikwuano -, Mr Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka and Isiala Ngwa North, Mr Cyprian Nwankwo.
Others are: Isuikwuato LGA, Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike; (Rtd), Obingwa LGA -Dr Eric Egwuibe; Ohafia, Chief David Ogba; Osisioma Ngwa, Mr Israel Nweke.
Ukwa East LGA has Mrs Ngozi Nwagbara; Ukwa West, Mr Newman Azu; Ugwunagbo, Comrade Nosike Ihesiaba; Umuahia North, Chief Victor Ikeji; Umuahia – South, Mr Obike Ejike Nnochiri and Umunneochi has Mr Ndubuisi Ike. (NAN)