The newly elected 17 Local Government Chairmen in Abia State and their Deputies have been sworn in with a charge to prioritize Economic Development and Security in their various Local Government Areas.
This is the second time the adminstration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is inuagurating elected local government chairmen in the state.
Speaking at the Ceremony held at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu who noted that the task ahead of the Chairmen and their Deputies is challenging with high expectations from the people,urged them to set up economic teams that will advise them on how best to drive the economic advancement of their various local governments councils.
According to Governor Ikpeazu, responsibility of developing the different local governments rests squarely on the shoulders of the Chairmen and their Deputies.
He reminded them that no political regime is compared to another hence the need to change the narrative and bring about the desired development in their local governments.
Ikpeazu said: “The imperatives of development in the leadership of your various local governments has changed overtime and therefore, what you require is strategic thinking in your various local government.
“As you think about what to do to create a better life for your local governments, i will advice you to first start from today. I want to remind you that you have 24 months to make your mark.
“You must ensure that every unpoliced space in your various local government comes under your purview and surveillance so that your report about security activities in your local governments will be apt and truthful and will help the government in making sure Abia remains one is the safest place in Nigeria today.
“On your shoulders today, the responsibility of developing your local government rests squarely.
“The task ahead of you is not an easy one, it is an ardous one, it is challenging and there are many obstacles in your way but with God on your side and your determination to stand on the path of truth all the time, i am convinced that all of you are qualified to acquit yourselves creditably in your new office”.
The Governor urged them to leverage on the natural resources available in the local government councils as well as encourage projects put in place by the state government in their various LGAs to yield maximum benefits for the people.
Ikpeazu congratulated the newly sworn in chairmen and their deputies as well as the leadership of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for achieving the milestone in the recently concluded local government elections in the state.
In his response on behalf of other elected Chairmen, the Chairman, Obingwa Local Government Area, Michael Ibe Nwoke described their election as a privilege and promised to utilize the opportunity for grassroot development.
He assured that they will work in tandem with the Ikpeazu adminstration to actualise his vision and called for support to enable them achieve rural development in their various LGAs.
The event was attended by the immediate past Governor and Senator Representing Abia Central, Sen. T.A Orji among other dignitaries.
