Otu To New LGA Chairmen: You’re Not Here For Tea Party
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It will not be tea party for the 18 newly elected local government chairmen in Cross River State and those who thought they are in the office to have their share of the pie should better have a rethink, says the state governor, Prince Bassey Otu.
The governor gave this signal on Monday after supervising the oath-taking by the chairmen, all of who were elected under the banner of the APC, his party. The PDP has already indicated the readiness to challenge the sweeping victory at the tribunal.
Otu charged the new chairmen to get ready to serve diligently and underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and the ‘People First’ governance approach.
He highlighted key priorities for the new leadership to include community development, addressing infrastructure needs, and improving public services at the grassroots level.
“Your victory is a call to action to serve the people of Cross River and deliver on your promises with integrity. We have a goal as a state, and it is important to align with this goal. We want to build our Gross Domestic Product (GDP); we want to attract investment. We want our people to live better. So, it is not a ceremonial office; it is serious business,
“As the closest tier of government to the people, the core mandate of every local government council is the provision of basic amenities. The accomplishment of this task shall be a litmus test for the huge confidence the electorate repose in you and a referendum on your capacity to deliver on your campaign promises,” he added.
The governor noted that as each local government council was birthed in the euphoria of autonomy, there was a corresponding burden of statutory responsibilities as enshrined in the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a mandate, reminding them that the resolve to bring government nearer to the people remained inviolable.
Responding on behalf of the inaugurated officials, the Chairman of Obudu local government area, Udiandeye Peter assured the governor Otu, the APC and all Cross Riverians that the current crop of chairmen and their vices wouldl not rest on their oars, but would bring the democratic dividends to the grassroots.
