Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has called for collaborative efforts among Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Councils and Stakeholders to achieve security and political stability at the grassroots.
Governor Ikpeazu made the call during a meeting he held with the Executive Chairmen of the 17 LGAs of the state, their Deputies and Councillors at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia.
The Governor noted that the state can only make meaningful development in a secure and stable atmosphere and urged them to take practical responsibility in ensuring the protection of lives and properties in their various Local Government Areas.
He advocated for monthly security council meetings at the Local Government levels which would involve traditional rulers,Heads of Security Agencies and selected stakeholders in addition to ensuring proper flow of information in an orderly manner noting that such would nip in the bud, security breeches within and around their domains.
Governor Ikpeazu tasked the chairmen to give him periodic update on security situation in their local governments pointing that such information would assist the state government to properly secure the state.
“Nigeria today is challenged on all sides and Abia is a sub national entity in Nigeria therefore we cannot deny that we have our own fair share of the security challenges and security issues emanate from local government which is in a state”.
The Governor while commending the Local Government Chairmen for holding the forte at the grassroots,calledon the Deputy Chairmen and councillors to work in synergy with the Chairmen to ensure that dividends of democracy get to the people.
He appealed to the political leaders and stakeholders to sensitize and mobilize their people so as to participate actively in the on going INEC Continous Voters Registration Exercise.
Governor Ikpeazu announced plans to commence the execution of one project in every political wards of the state as part his “One Ward, One Project Initiative.
He directed Councillors of each ward to articulate and submit the most pressing need of their wards to reach his office not later than two weeks.
Earlier,the Chief of Staff to the Governor,Prof Anthony Agbazuere disclosed that the meeting was convened at the instance of Governor Ikpeazu to address issues partaining to local government administration.
Describing the local government system as the third tier of Government,Prof Agbazuere noted that the local governments are recognised by the constitution and as well subject to the State.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues,the Chairman, Umunneochi Local Government Area,Hon Ifeanyi Madu, assured that they will work in tandem with the vision and aspiration of the state government to bring democracy dividends to the people and take the state to greater heights.
