The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the newly confirmed 21 Local government Areas chairpersons in the state.
They were inaugurated at the state executive chambers, Government House, Awka. Soludo urged them to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties
He said, “I advise you to always put the people first in the management of the scarce resources in your respective councils.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be called upon to serve and so consider the thousands of people in your LGA who now look up to you to deliver service and change their lives.”
Formally welcoming them as members of the solution team, the governor thanked the state Assembly for graciously confirming the new council heads.
He said, “In spite of the troubles, we must deliver. We don’t give excuses as members of this team. We are looking for extraordinary deliverables to meet the needs of the common man on the streets. After all, that’s why government exists which is why you are called to serve. I am sure you will overcome because you will not be alone. You have the local government, and stakeholders to work with.
“Bear in mind that each one of you have been specially selected. Our expectations are very very high. We are expecting each of you to make a fundamental difference.”
The governor emphasised that his administration’s manifesto is like the Bible of the government, saying that their job was to drive the vision down to the grassroots.
“Yours is an agenda with a deadline. When you get there, make each hour count so that at a particular point in time, you can say I passed through this road. Never forget the contents of the oath of office and allegiance you have just taken.
“Soon, review sessions will be held so that you can be able to review from each other, learn and collaborate with each other. In that way, we can look at people who are performing and those who are underperforming,” the governor said
According to Soludo, the executive and local government councils will agree on minimum standards in the planning of Anambra communities, even for roads.
“For Anambra to be liveable and prosperous, there must be law and order in place. That’s part of your basic duty. You have something unique to offer Ndi Anambra, go out there and deliver, because the reward for work is more work. I’m sure that as you leave here, you will head to your local governments because the work begins now.”
The Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Collins Nwabunwanne, who expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the mandate, said that the governor’s appointments of the chairmen were achieved through a rigorous interview and clearance process.
Nwabunwanne said, “My promise is that they will deliver on their mandate. The issue of waste management is going to be a thing of the past. All unserviceable vehicles, illegal structures along the road, and others will be a thing of the past.”
The commissioner added that the Solution team, strongly believes in maximizing their time and achieving visible results
Those present at the event include the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Dr Paschal Agbodike, SSG Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Protocol, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, commissioners, head of agencies, and many others.
