…Tasks them on development
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti, on Monday, inaugurated the newly-elected Local Government Area Chairmen in Abia State.
The 17 Council Chairmen who were inaugurated along with their Deputies were elected in Saturday’s council poll swept by the Zenith Labour Party which won 15 LGAs, leaving only two for the Young Peoples Party, YPP.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Otti charged the council chairmen to address the various developmental challenges confronting their LGAs.
He said that although the Mayors emerged from different political platforms, “the whole agenda remained the same which is putting 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 portable water, quality basic education, electricity for homes and businesses, affordable transportation, quality road networks including safe and secure neighbourhood.”
Governor Otti, who said that the new Council Chairmen “are expected to take full responsibility in the development of their areas,” 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.”
Otti stressed the need for them to reach out to various stakeholders in the 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 commended ABSIEC for conducting “a free and fair election.”
He also thanked other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Mayor for 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 enomous task ahead of them but assured that they would perform accordingly as they are going to follow the template of Governor Alex Otti.
Meanwhile, the Mayors and their Deputies include: Aba North – Timothy Iheke (Mayor), Christian Chijioke (Deputy); Aba South – Anyanwu Obilor (Mayor), Azubuike Nwankwo (Deputy); and Arochukwu – Okereke Ezearo (Mayor) , Ngozi Nwafor (Deputy).
Others include: Bende – Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Mayor), Ngozi Anya (Deputy); Ikwuano – Dr Anthony Nwaubani (Mayor), Awuwa Lucky Chibuikem (Deputy; Isialangwa North – Innocent Uruakpa (Mayor), Ahamdi Ahamba (Deputy); Isialangwa South – Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Chairman), Vivian Obilor (Deputy); and Isukwuato – Chinedu Ekeke (Mayor), Ifeanyi Njoku (Deputy).
The list include: Obingwa – Maxwell Nwadike (Mayor), Destiny Isiguzo (Deputy); Ohafia – Eleanya Ojuu Kalu (Mayor), Eme Iro (Deputy); Osisioma – Chidi Christian Agu (Mayor), Victor Ugochukwu Nwogu (Deputy); Ugwunagbo – Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Mayor), Ugochukwu Ukaegbu (Deputy); and Ukwa East – Chibunna Akara (Mayor), Thelma Ekeke (Deputy).
Others are: Ukwa West – Dike Nwankwo (Mayor), Joel Udo Nwankwo (Deputy); Umuahia North – Smart Ihuoma (Mayor), Chinwe Odoemelam (Deputy); Umuahia South – Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Mayor), Enyinnaya Nwosu (Deputy); and Umunneochi – Sunday Afuruike (Mayor), Igbo Chukwunenye Innocent (Deputy).
