A’Ibom Chairman Displays Fruits Of LG Autonomy 100 Days After Assuming Office
In what appears to be an evidence of the regime of financial autonomy for local governments in Nigeria, some chairmen in Nigeria are beginning to demonstrate that in truth, the local government system can still work, given the free hand to operate.
In Akwa Ibom State, the fruits of financial independence for local government chairmen are beginning to show, with what the chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Mrs Ime Effiong Charles is exhibiting, about 100 days after she assumed duties.
Some of the projects initiated and delivered include a public toilet in the Abak main market, a health Centre at Ikot Antuk in Midim, the rehabilitation of a section of Abak Council Secretariat housing offices of Paramount Ruler, Director of Agriculture, Director of Schools and the NULGE chairman.
Other projects include the distribution of educational materials to pupils in public primary schools across the five clans of Abak, evacuation of waste dumps, notably at Abak Main Market along Ubom Itor Street to enhance environmental sanitation and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to ensure peace and safety in the area;
A statement from the office of the chairman on Sunday which highlighted the upward review of legionnaires’ subventions to support the families of ex-servicemen and their widows, also quoted her as saying that she had equally embarked on the distribution of rice to residents during the festive season as well as the promotion of inter-party relations to foster unity and concerted approach towards Abak development and progress.
She was quoted in the statement as saying that “since there was no public convenience, this caused traders especially women to always lament on a typical Abak main market day. The traders needed a place to ease themselves. We decided to undertake it, equipped with solar-powered public water works to aid the convenience.”
“We have built and completed Health Centre at Ikot Antuk to cater for the adults and young ones in the area and neighbouring communities. Infants will be immunised and health personnel will minister health to the people.
“Again, my administration rehabilitated a building in the council’s Secretariat housing offices of Paramount Ruler, Director of Agriculture, Director of School and NULGE Chairman. In fact, the building was in a deplorable state as the roof of Paramount Ruler’s office was leaking. Now, the Paramount Ruler and other royal fathers could meet in a comfortable and ambient environment.”
According to her, “within the first 100 days in office, we have empowered 100 youths, 40 women to be sweeping Abak-Ikot Ekpene Highway up to Afaha Obong. Within this period too, we have provided free exercise books and uniforms for pupils of public primary schools in Abak.”
Mrs Charles who said she would do a lot more for her people added that “we will soon commence grading of rural roads known as Trunk C in the 12 wards of the area, building a befitting town hall for Midim, and facilitate the sanitation through timely evacuation of refuse from Abak Main market and villages, among other projects.”
