By Joe Akwarandu
The newly elected Chairmen and Deputies of the 17 LGAs in Abia State, addressed as Mayors and deputy mayors in the state, have been sworn in with a charge to address the various developmental challenges confronting their LGAs.
Speaking after their swearing-in by the state Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, Paul Ogubunka, at the Banquet hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti charged the Mayors that emerged from different political platforms to put Abia first.
“We must do our best to bring a permanent closure to certain challenges that have held our communities for ages.
“There are a few challenges that we must effectively tackle in short and medium terms including access to potable water, quality basic education, electricity for homes and businesses, affordable transportation, quality road networks including safe and secure neighborhoods.”
Governor Otti said that the new Council functionaries are expected to take full responsibility for the development of their areas and warned that they should not fail Abians as there should be no excuse for low performance.
“We have to embrace the fact that we are in leadership to solve problems, uplift people and use the privilege of government to give everyone a chance to live”.
The Governor stressed the need for them to reach out to various stakeholders in their Councils as well as work together with those that contested with them as long as they have good ideas that would bring development to the state.
“One thing I will encourage you who will take over the executive seats across the 17 LGAs is to begin to reach out to our friends who did not make it.
“Bring everyone together and make it known to them that you are willing to listen to their developmental ideas and work with that.” Gov. Otti advised.
Governor Otti congratulated them on their emergence and appreciated ABSIEC for conducting free and fair elections, as well as thanked other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, described their emergence as a rare honour to serve the people of the State.
He said that they are mindful of the enormous task ahead of them but assured that they would perform accordingly as they are going to follow the template of Governor Alex Otti.