Benue State Governor, Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has charged the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the state, to always demonstrate transparency, accountability, and fairness in all their dealings in office.
He gave the charge at the inauguration ceremony for the new Chairmen at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, Monday.
The Governor who described the event as a significant moment in the future of the local government administration in the state, urged the chairmen to get to work; working diligently to provide strategic leadership, charging them to uphold the highest standard of governance without fear or favour.
He tasked them to ensure they listen and address the needs of the people at the grassroots, collaborating with all relevant stakeholders at the local level to foster an inclusive government in the interest of all.
“Your duties would require you to work diligently, to provide strategic leadership, and to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour.
“This is a responsibility that demands integrity, foresight, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and honesty in all your dealings.
“I also urge you to listen attentively to the needs of our people in your various local government areas, and to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders to foster an inclusive government towards ensuring a more prosperous future for all.”
While calling on the Chairmen to collaborate with the government at the state level to implement policies and programs that are beneficial to the rural communities, especially as no tier of government operates in isolation.
He encouraged them to extend an olive branch to the members of the opposition parties and to equally give room for ideas and constructive criticisms aimed at entrenching democracy and good governance in the state.
He expressed his belief in their ability and capacity to lead and serve their people, admonishing them not to focus more on personal gains, but to always strive to bring democratic deliverables closer to the people at the grassroots.
Responding on behalf of the new Chairmen, the Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Hon. Dennis Guda, appreciated the Governor, the leadership of the APC, and the entire people of the state, for giving them the mandate to preside over the affairs of the local government councils.
He assured of their readiness to work in line with the 7 points Agenda of the governor and to always be in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders, sharing ideas for the overall progress of the state.
Credit: Tersoo Kula
